§ 39. Mr. Ridsdaleasked the Minister of Technology why National Research Development Corporation support is being withheld from the company, Computer Technology.
§ Dr. BrayI understand that N.R.D.C. did not feel able to support a particular proposal put to them by Computer Technology. The firm has no manufacturing capabality, and the Department has suggested to Computer Technology that the best course might be to seek an association with a well-established computer manufacturer.
§ Mr. RidsdaleIs the Minister aware that this project has been assessed by a private firm of consultants, Cambridge Consultants, and that some people are gravely concerned that the money going into computers is going into the big companies and no support is being given to the small ones and that we are very disturbed that Parliamentary accountability is not given to N.R.D.C.? Can we have a debate on this?
§ Dr. BrayN.R.D.C. gives a very full report of all its activities and is very ready to answer questions directly regarding them. In computer manufacture there 412 is advantage in scale. We have encouraged this firm to get in touch with well-established computer manufacturers.