§ Mr. Bishopasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry in view of the recently announced redundancies at International Computers Limited, what action he proposes to take; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David PriceThe redundancies announced by I.C.L. are the consequence of an acceleration of their plans for rationalising their activities to match the volume of business they forsee. The general policy changes announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer recently, including the extension of free depreciation to plant and machinery used by the service industries in the development areas, will help to stimulate investment in all capital goods, including computers. The hon. Member will be aware of the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister for Aerospace on 30th July to the Question by the hon. Member for Sheffield, Hallam (Mr. J. H. Osborn) about Government action in support of the computer industry.—[Vol. 822, c.196–7.]