HC Deb 04 April 1967 vol 744 cc21-2
31. Sir H. Legge-Bourke

asked the Minister of Technology what steps he is taking to ensure that the departmental duties arising from the amalgamation of the former Ministry of Aviation with his Department do not preclude him from exercising his sponsorship function for the machine tool, telecommunication, computer and electronic industries.

Mr. Benn

The purchasing power and advanced knowledge now brought within my Department will be of great value to my sponsorship activities for the industries mentioned.

Sir H. Legge-Bourke

Does not the Minister recognise that, in view of the very great need for full implementation of the Lang Report in particular, this is a job which could well be a full-time one for a Minister and that if he has these many other jobs as well, this is a job which should devolve not only upon a Minister of State?

Mr. Benn

The arrangement of business within the Department leaves the day-to-day procurement matters within the hands of the Minister of State. We have also the industry divisions which spread across into those areas that were previously looked at within the Ministry of Aviation. Although it is too early to say, I think that the present arrangement will meet the points which the hon. Member has in mind.

Mr. Dalyell

Would my right hon. Friend say what he is doing to help sponsorship of micro-electronics?

Mr. Benn

I made a speech about this recently, inviting the industry to come forward with projects which we shall be very glad to examine and support.