§ Mr. M. MacPhersonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will make a statement about the progress of the scheme to develop the electronics industry and in the course of the last 12 months.
§ Mr. SandysI have been asked to reply.
I am glad to have the opportunity of informing the House of the progress made with the scheme for developing the electronics industry in Scotland since the 116W statement made in reply to a Question by the hon. Member on 26th June, 1951.
A detailed scheme has been worked out for a new laboratory block to be erected adjacent to the premises of Messrs. Ferranti, Limited in Edinburgh, at a total cost of £513,000. The provision of a new building and ancillary services to a value of £205,000 has been authorised and architects' drawings are being prepared. Machine tools to the value of £102,000 have been allocated to Messrs. Ferranti from the Ministry's stocks and some of them are already in use in their existing premises. Other equipment is on order.
I understand that Messrs. Ferranti are in communication with a number of firms who may be suitable associates and that the employees of one firm have already begun work in the Ferranti premises. Employees of other firms are expected to start there shortly. In addition, four firms are doing electronic work in their own premises on sub-contract from Ferranti and under their guidance.