- Beatrice: In the building, we have the most powerful computer in the UK. It can perform 3 million additions in a second. When I first came here, I found the whole idea of number-crunching extraordinary. Now it seems quite routine. Do you know in few years time, there could be a file on everyone in the country giving a complete breakdown of their habits, history, political affiliations and financial status et cetera, available nation-wide by computer.
- Allan Wood: Yes, well I'm afraid that I find that rather an imposition. Does it mean we shall also progress to the computer that can give a spontaneous answer to questions?
- Beatrice: That seems unlikely. As you know a computer can only process information that it has been programmed to receive. It isn't a duplication of the human power of imaginative thought.
- Allan Wood: What response does it give to a spontaneous question?
- Beatrice: Can you type?
- Allan Wood: Two fingers.
- Beatrice: That machine is connected to a central processor. Type your question, then press the button marked 'send'.
- Interviewer: You know that 30 is rather an advanced age at which to enter the computer industry. The average age of our group here is 21 and a half. Once your learning curve diminishes you become redundant in the demanding field of the programmer.