§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will take steps to
1976–77 1977–78 1978–79 1979–80 1980–81 in thousands of pounds DoI staff effort at the National Engineering Laboratory 17.6 27.1 78.2 251.0 730.0 Extra-mural expenditure 23.1 205.1 32.1 743.0 1,959.0 Total 40.7 232.2 110.3 994.0 2,689.0
§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Industry if he is satisfied with the level of support from private industry for the automated small-batch production project; and what steps he is taking to increase support from private industry.
§ Mr. David MitchellI am satisfied with the support being shown by private industry for the automated small-batch production (ASP) project. ASP is a large co-ordinated programme of research and development in which my Department works in partnership with companies and other bodies with the aim of increasing the efficiency and competitiveness of United Kingdom manufacturing industry through higher levels of automated production. My Department is already supporting at one company the development of Britain's first direct numerical control manufacturing cell and, through the ASP committee, is currently discussing projects
44Wsupport the postal telecommunications equipment industry; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael MarshallThe general policy of the Government is to establish conditions which provide maximum opportunity for industries like that supplying telecommunications equipment. Financial support is available through schemes such as the microprocessor application project (MAP), the microelectronics industry support scheme (MISP) and the Product and process development scheme (PPDS).