§ 4. Mr. Pounderasked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development what steps he will take to restrict the importation of American computers into the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. du CannNone, Sir.
§ Mr. Pounderis not my hon. Friend aware of the very difficult situation at present existing in the British computer industry and of the continuing brain drain of computer engineers, and that unless something is done very soon to arrest this trend then the industry will become little more than a marketing agency for American machines? Will he therefore reconsider the matter?
§ Mr. du CannI am afraid that I cannot accept everything that my hon. Friend says. The output of electronic computers by United Kingdom manufacturers increased from £7½ million in 564 1959 to £24 million in 1963. I think it is right to say that the industry is in a healthy state and is doing a first-class job.
§ Mr. LawsonIs the Minister aware that an American firm has established a computer industry in Lanarkshire where it will be building virtually from the ground up, and will he do everything to encourage this?
§ Mr. du CannWe wish the firm every success.
§ Mr. McMasterIs my hon. Friend aware of the discrimination in respect of shipping which the United States exercises to the detriment of this country? Will he consider imposing a restriction on the import of American computers until the United States abandons this discrimination?
§ Mr. du CannThe question about shipping is not one for me but for the Minister of Transport. We are doing everything we can to get such restrictions as exist removed.