§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to the answer of 12 March, Official Report, column 934, what consideration he has given to the options open to him on the leading edge developmental work, such as light-powered computers, involved in the strategic defence initiative programme; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ButcherMy hon. Friend the Minister for Information Technology recently held a one-day, private seminar for 30 to 40 industrialists. This was to seek their views on the prospects of civil developments arising from United Kingdom participation in the strategic defence initiative research programme. Several areas of technology, including optical computing, were considered. However, it is still too early to form any impression of how much civil benefit will arise from this and other advanced technologies.