§ 7. Mr. Haleasked the Minister of Labour how many persons were engaged in full-time employment on the manufacture of electronic computers on the last date on which figures are available, and on the nearest corresponding date in 1962.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Mr. William Whitelaw)In September, 1963, about 253,000 persons were employed full-time in the manufacture of radio and other electronic apparatus compared with about 247,000 in September, 1962. I regret that separate figures for the manufacture of electronic computers are not available.
§ Mr. HaleBut, even if they are not available, is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that, despite recent amalgamations, there is talk of having to close down a number of factories primarily engaged in this new and important industry and that, in the meantime, Her Majesty's Government have spent £15 million on buying foreign computers and have placed an embargo on the export of our best computers to the Sino-Soviet bloc? If this is the way they are going to encourage science and industry and if this is how Tory freedom works, does not the hon. Gentleman think it time to take another look at the matter?
§ Mr. WhitelawWhat the hon. Gentleman has said comes more particularly within the sphere of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Industry and Trade. As I understand the hon. Gentleman has a number of Questions down to my right hon. Friend, perhaps he will await his reply.