HC Deb 23 January 1978 vol 942 cc962-3
19. Mr. Viggers

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what proposals the Government have to assist the electronics industry.

Mr. Alan Williams

The Government are already engaged in providing assistance to the electronics industry over a wide front and in developing further means of promoting its competitivity.

Mr. Viggers

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that the industry can cope for itself, given a reasonable environment? Is he aware that leading industrialists have recently said that the major problem of the industry is recruiting and maintaining the best of its staff in the environment of the top tax rates in this country, which drive people abroad, as against the attractions of Government service, which offers a decent salary rate and safe, index-linked pensions?

Mr. Williams

I do not agree with the second part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question, but when I met the industry's representatives on the last occasion they pointed out that, in competition with other industries, it is finding difficulty in obtaining the high quality personnel that it needs for both the production side and for research and development. I indicated my willingness to discuss the matter further with them.