§ Mr. Gryllsasked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will give details of the industry scheme for the micro-circuit industry; how much financial assistance will be given for the years 1977–78 and 1978–79; and what is his strategy for the industry.
§ Mr. CryerThe Department assists the micro-electronics industry through more than one of its support schemes. A £10 million support scheme, ending March 1979, assists United Kingdom micro-electronic manufacturers and is likely to reach £2.5 million in both 1977–78 and 1978–79. A £20 million electronic components industry scheme announced in January 1977 will assist companies in the industry, depending on receipt of suitable projects. In addition a new support programme is being considered by, and discussed with, the industry and the Electronic Components Sector Working Party, and I hope to make an announcement about the programme in the next few months.
It is essential that the United Kingdom equipment industry has access to the rapidly developing micro-electronics technology, and it is my aim to ensure that the United Kingdom micro-electronics industry is able to provide it. Working from this base, the micro-electronics industry must also be encouraged to exploit world markets.