§ 28. Mr. Haleasked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development when electronic computers 464 of more than twelve memory stores were added to the list of goods embargoed for export to the Sino-Soviet bloc; and whether he will reconsider this embargo, in view of the fact that one of the most efficient British computers is equipped with thirteen memory boxes.
§ The Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development and President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Edward Heath)The present definition of computers for embargo purposes has been in force since May, 1961: I am not at present prepared to reconsider it.
§ Mr. HaleBut why a dozen? Why not a baker's dozen? Was not this figure fixed to exclude one of the best, the Atlas computer? What does the right hon. Gentleman want? Is not it in the interests of peace that the Sino-Soviet bloc should have accurate information and correct statistics rather than that it should continue to rely on inaccurate ones?
§ Mr. HeathI entirely agree with the hon. Gentleman on the last point. But the question of the number of memory boxes is not the sole criterion by which the embargo is operated. I do not believe that these arrangements are interfering with non-strategic trade of this kind.
§ Mr. SnowIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is cause for concern in the electronics industry? I am not referring particularly to these specific items, but is he aware that in my constituency in this industry, which is essential for the modernisation of plant or at any rate in connection with development, eighty men have been laid off because of the lack of orders? Is he aware that this is a reflection on our domestic organisation plans and that it has a bad effect on the export industry?
§ Mr. HeathI am aware of the case which the hon. Gentleman has mentioned. The hon. Member for Oldham, West (Mr. Hale) has a Question on the Order Paper about the industry in general which I shall answer in a moment.