§ Mr. Kenneth Clarkeasked the Secretary of State for Industry what approval the Government have given to the National Enterprise Board for proposed investments in the electronics industry, particularly in micro-circuits; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Les HuckfieldIn addition to the relevant investments described in the Board's annual report and accounts, laid before the House on 4th May, my right hon. Friend has given his consent, under Section 10 of the Industry Act 1975, to the Board acquiring voting equity in a new company in this industry. I understand that the Board will publish further details in due course.
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§ Mr. Clarkeasked the Secretary of State for Industry what is the Government's policy on the future of the British electronics industry, particularly in the field of micro-circuits; and what assistance the Government propose to give to private industry in this field.
§ Mr. CryerThe electronics industry is an important sector of the Government's industrial strategy on which Government, industry and trade unions are co-operating. The developing strategy is reported regularly by the sector working parties concerned. Electronic components is a priority sector and micro-circuits its most important sub-sector, which already receives about £5 million of support yearly through the Department of Industry. A greatly enlarged support programme for micro-circuits is under development.