§ Mr. Gwynfor Evansasked the Minister of Technology what was the amount of financial assistance given by the Government in 1965–66 to the computer industry; and how much was given to companies located in Wales.
§ Mr. BennIn the financial years 1965–66 £365,000 of Government money was committed to the computer industry under the Advanced Computer Techniques Project. In the same year the216W National Research Development Corporation made available about £1.6 million to the computer industry. Little if any of the sums involved will accrue to companies located in Wales since, so far as I am aware, no computers and very few computer components are manufactured in the Principality.
§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Minister of Technology what discussions he had with the German Government during his recent visit to Bonn on the subject of co-operation in the computer industry; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BennI would refer my hon. Friend to my reply today to the hon. Member for Bury St. Edmunds (Mr. Eldon Griffiths).
§ Mr. William Hamiltonasked the Minister of Technology if he will make a statement on the progress made in discussions with representatives of the computer industry on the question of finance for domestic leasing of computers.
§ Dr. BrayMy right hon. Friend is well aware of the problem of providing finance for leased computers, but has nothing to announce at present.