§ Mr. Peter Robinsonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps have been taken to promote investment in microelectronics in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. Giles ShawIn the past two years growing attention has been devoted to the microelectronics sector by officers whose role it is to encourage overseas industrialists to locate mobile investment projects in Northern Ireland. In support of this activity, a consultant with considerable expertise in microelectronics has been retained by the Department of Commerce for Northern Ireland. Established industry in Northern Ireland is being encouraged by means of various national and local schemes of assistance to defend its competitive position through the adoption of microelectronic techniques in its products and processes. Technical advice on electronic matters is provided to local industry by the industrial science division of the Department of Commerce.