Scientific Instruments (Hansard, 18 November 1976)

Mr. Alan Williams

, pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 6th November 1976; Vol. 919, c. 1430], gave the following information:

The first report of the Automation and Instrumentation Sector Working Party, which made a number of recommendations for action by Government, management and unions has already been placed in the Library of the House. The following is a summary of the main recommendations put to Government together with an outline of the action taken so far: Recommendation.—That ECGD criteria be relaxed to provide support for individual items of low value within larger projects, and that ECGD response to requests for support should be more rapid. 725W Action.—Investigation of ECGD terms and procedures did not reveal clear limitations needing Government action. Industry representatives are now seeking more detailed information from ECGD users. Recommendation.—That action should be taken to remedy the shortage of medium -term finance for this sector of industry. Action.—Schemes of Government assistance to industry currently under consideration should help to alleviate these difficulties. Recommendation.—Inducements such as tax incentives to be provided for British and international contractors who operate worldwide, to encourage retention of their European offices in the United Kingdom. Action.—Awaiting specific evidence that any such contractors are considering leaving their established headquarters in the United Kingdom. Recommendation.—That a British college of technology should be set up in the Middle East to provide training in process control and automation techniques. Action.—Various possibilities are under consideration. Recommendation.—That the ratio of commercial to diplomatic posts in United Kingdom embassies should be improved in favour of the former. Action.—Our representation overseas is currently being reviewed by the Central Policy Review Staff and their attention has been drawn to the recommendation. Consideration will be given to the need to augment industrial expertise and the effective deployment of commercial officers in deciding future staffing levels. Recommendation.—That British trade centres be set up in major world capitals. Action.—Industry representatives will be submitting a recommendation on a country for a pilot scheme. Recommendation.—That more money be allocated to speed up production of domestic and international standards and to reduce the cost to companies that have hitherto been active in this work. Action.—Sir Frederick Warner is carrying out a study of SWP recommendations in the field of engineering standards and specifications with a view to improving export prospects. The above recommendation will be covered in his consideration. Recommendation.—That a more effective policy should be adopted to ensure the maximum British content in public procurement; this should be based on a value-added formula. That public sector procurement sould incorporate standards and specifications acceptable in export markets. Action.—New machinery is being set up for examining the very small proportion of Government goods and services bought from abroad to detect instances in which the capability of British industry to meet public needs might be further enhanced. The extent to which public sector bodies take account of 726W export market potential when drawing up procurement specifications is being studied. Recommendation.—Public sector bodies should be prepared to join supplier export consortia and use their consultancy services to promote overseas sales of their United Kingdom suppliers' products. Action.—A number of the public sector organisations already act in this way and consideration is now being given to the possibility of similar action by others.