HC Deb 30 November 1965 vol 721 cc1226-7
34. Mr. Kenneth Lewis

asked the Minister of Technology what plans he has for giving assistance to the British computer industry.

Mr. Cousins

The Government's initial programme for assisting the development of the computer industry was announced on 1st March. Since then the National Research Development Corporation has announced that it will be making substantial investments in development projects with computer firms. My Department has placed research and development contracts with the industry and with research organisations totalling £187,000. Contracts for about a further £300,000 are under consideration.

Mr. Lewis

Would the right hon. Gentleman use his influence to see that Government agencies and nationalised industries buy British computers instead of American?

Mr. Cousins

I have been using that influence to the best of my ability for some time, but one has to recognise that it is influence that one tries to use and not a directive.

Mr. Woodburn

Is my right hon. Friend aware that at a European conference in London recently to study the question of the computer industry it was generally agreed that it was unlikely that there was a sufficient basis in Britain alone to make a viable British computer industry? Will my right hon. Friend consider this question along with other European countries?

Mr. Cousins

This is quite a way from the original Question. We are giving the closest attention to joint efforts in this field, but we in Government circles feel that we can make a viable British computer industry.