§ 22. Mr. Goldingasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he is yet able to announce the level of governmental aid to the computer industry.
§ Mr. ChatawayThe recommendations of the Select Committee on Science and Technology about aid to the computer industry are still under consideration. I shall make an announcement as soon as is practicable.
§ Mr. GoldingIs the Minister aware that only last week another 550 redundancies were declared in the computer industry in North Staffordshire and that the industry is waiting for a rapid implementation of the recommendations of the Select Committee on Science and Technology which will protect the British computer industry in a situation in which computer industries are protected worldwide?
§ Mr. ChatawayThe Government have already taken action on certain of the Select Committee's recommendations and announcements have been made about purchasing softwear and the centralisation of computer procurement. Very far-reaching proposals were made which require detailed consideration and discussion with the computer industry. I assure the hon. Gentleman that I will make an announcement as soon as is consistent with getting the answer right.
§ Mr. PavittWill the right hon. Gentleman consult the Secretary of State for Social Services with a view to increasing the use of computers in the hospital service and in other sections of the National Health Service, in an attempt to increase the demand for computers? This has proved greatly successful in a number of regional hospital boards and has brought about a substantial saving of manpower, which is very short in the National Health Service.
§ Mr. ChatawayI will certainly take note of that point.