HC Deb 12 February 1968 vol 758 cc937-8
20. Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Minister of Technology what progress has been made on negotiations by International Computers and Tabulators Limited to sell computers to Czechoslovakia, sponsored by his Department; and if he will make a statement.

Dr. Bray

Negotiations for the sale of computers are a matter for the manufacturers and customers concerned. But I understand that I.C.T. has delivered five 1900 series computers to Czechoslovakia, with a further machine on order, to a total value approaching £2 million.

Mrs. Short

May I thank my hon. Friend for that encouraging reply and point out to him that, in view of devaluation and the fact that our total exports of sophisticated materials such as this to Eastern Europe are very small, there is considerable opportunity for us to go ahead and sell in this market?

Dr. Bray

I assure my hon. Friend that the companies concerned, with the full support of the Board of Trade and of my Department, give the strongest support to sales in Eastern Europe and that they have not been unsuccessful.

Mr. David Price

Would the Minister agree that in this market, as in many other markets, it is an illusion to think that one can sell a great deal of sophisticated equipment without entering into some sort of deal that entitles the client country to do some of the manufacture?

Dr. Bray

That is a point which, as the hon. Gentleman knows, is very much under discussion. There are instances when parts of systems are indeed manufactured under licence in the client country. Those countries are very keen that we should take advantage of some of their technology, too.