§ Q9. Mr. Hirstasked the Prime Minister in view of the fact that the Ministry of Technology is to be the sponsor department for the machine tools, electronics, telecommunications, and computer industries, whether he will give an assurance that this arrangement will not entail strings being attached to Government contracts with a view to the acquisition of capital by the State in such industries.
§ Mr. George BrownI have been asked to reply.
The Ministry of Technology will use whatever measures seem right to promote technological advance in these industries and in industry generally.
§ Mr. HirstIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that that does not answer the Question, which asked if he would give an assurance to industry that no strings will be attached? Will he answer that Question, or perhaps the House will excuse him while he gets on the "hot line" to Washington?
§ Mr. BrownI am sure that that was well worked out, but it did not really 1321 work. The answer is the exact reply which I gave to the Question: that my right hon. Friend will use such measures as in the circumstances seem right.