HC Deb 20 July 1987 vol 120 cc88-9W
Sir Ian Lloyd

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what information he has on the number of companies or other organisations in the United Kingdom which are currently capable of producing direct random access memory semiconductor devices in the 256K, 1 megabit, 4 megabit and 16 megabit categories, respectively.

Mr. Butcher

I am aware of one company that is establishing manufacture of 256 kilobit dynamic random access memories (DRAM) in the United Kingdom and which has plans to produce 1 megabit DRAMs.

Higher density devices of 4 megabit and 16 megabit capacity are not yet in volume production anywhere in the world.

Sir Ian Lloyd

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what are the current levels and expected trends of imports of direct random access memory semiconductor devices in the 256K, 1 megabit, 4 megabit and 16 megabit categories, respectively.

Mr. Butcher

These devices are not separately identified in the trade statistics and it is not our practice to make projections of future levels of trade in particular commodities.

Sir Ian Lloyd

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many new semiconductor fabrication plants have been built within the United Kingdom in the years 1984, 1985 and 1986, respectively; and what total level of investment has been involved.

Mr. Butcher

I am informed that new semiconductor plants completed in recent years within the United Kingdom were as follows:

Number
1984 2
1985 1
1986 3

In addition, two other facilities were under construction in 1986 for completion in 1987. The total level of investment in these eight facilities is approximately £230 million.

Sir Ian Lloyd

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many synchrotran orbital radiation devices are now being employed in semiconductor fabrication plants within the United Kingdom; and what circuit widths have been attained.

Mr. Butcher

None.

Sir Ian Lloyd

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether his Department has carried out an analysis of the implications for the United Kingdom of the findings of the United States Congressional defence science hoard task force on semiconductor dependency, with particular reference to the second phase of the Alvey programme.

Mr. Butcher

No, although the paper will contribute to the Department's views on semiconductor activity in the United Kingdom.