Tomorrow's World

This inaugural edition of 'Tomorrow's World' includes three very different features. Derek Cooper, with help from consultant physician Dr Charles Fletcher, investigates new advances in kidney dialysis machines designed to work in the home and follows the range of opinions about this development. A second report looks at a Dutch flood defence system that has inspired plans in the UK to help ease a shortage of fresh water, while Professor Philip Morrison discusses the likelihood of the Mariner 4 space probe discovering evidence of life on Mars.

Tomorrow's World broadcasts live from an operating theatre where a patient is undergoing laser eye surgery. Back in the studio, Raymond Baxter hosts a debate on the benefits of drilling for North Sea gas to solve the fuel crisis. He also appraises the latest in futuristic fashions, aided by model Shirley. Derek Cooper reports on an undersea robot that's being used to perform maintenance on drilling platforms, looks at research into the effect of wind pressures on tall buildings and visits a forward-looking pub that uses computerised telephones to take patrons' orders.