HC Deb 11 April 1967 vol 744 cc953-4
14. Mr. Bob Brown

asked the Minister of Technology, in order to increase the job opportunity of school leavers with scientific leanings in the Northern Region, whether he will take immediate steps to introduce Government-financed industries based on the physical sciences, such as electronics.

Dr. Bray

My right hon. Friend will take into account the regional development policy of the Government, including the development of the Northern Region, in all measures to support the growth of science-based industries. For example, the National Research Development Corporation recently announced it is giving substantial assistance to Welwyn Electric Limited at Bedlington, Northumberland, with the development and production of monolithic circuits.

Mr. Brown

This will be welcomed in the North-East, but would not my hon. Friend agree that it is high time that we had some direct Government intervention in this area to get the modern type of industry that we want established there?

Dr. Bray

Yes, I entirely agree. My hon. Friend will know that there is a wide range of direct Government intervention in this direction.