HC Deb 07 December 1965 vol 722 cc225-6
26. Mr. Biffen

asked the Minister of Technology by what criteria he will determine what constitutes an independent British computer industry.

Mr. Cousins

I regard an independent British computer industry as consisting of firms whose policies in respect of production, research and development are determined in this country.

Mr. Biffen

If the right hon. Gentleman is satisfied that these criteria will enable him to determine individual companies, could he record these in the OFFICIAL REPORT so that we may trace their commercial fortunes since the arrival of the Labour Government?

Mr. Cousins

Yes, Sir.

27. Mr. Patrick Jenkin

asked the Minister of Technology what steps he proposes to take to implement his policy of seeing that the British computer industry is not dependent technologically on foreign industry.

Mr. Cousins

I would refer the hon. Member to my Answer of 30th November to the hon. Member for Rutland and Stamford (Mr. Kenneth Lewis) in which I set out the steps the Government are taking to assist the development of the computer industry.

Mr. Jenkin

Does the Minister not realise that the computer industry is one in which there will be a growing degree of specialisation, and that it is sheer pie in the sky to imagine that the British or any other country's computer industry can be independent of foreign technological resources?

Mr. Cousins

Would the hon. Gentleman like to quote me any place where I have said that we could be completely independent of foreign technology?

Hon. Members

Answer.

Mr. Speaker

Order. The right hon. Gentleman has answered the supplementary question.