HC Deb 06 July 1966 vol 731 c414
21. Mr. Blenkinsop

asked the Minister of Aviation what action he is taking to encourage the development of the electronics industry in the north-east of England.

Mr. Snow

Electronics firms in the North-East are considered for Ministry of Aviation contracts on the same basis as firms in the rest of the country.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Is my hon. Friend not aware that the developing electronics firms in the North-East have formed an association, on the advice of the Government, in the hope that that would bring some further development contracts? They are now placed to receive them but have not had any offers at all.

Mr. Snow

I cannot quite agree with my hon. Friend. The existence of the association is very well known, if for no better reason than that we have given it advice as to how to organise itself to compete for Government contracts. However, we have no power within the Department to extend a capacity which, generally speaking, is fairly adequate.