§ 67. Mr. Biffenasked the Minister of Technology what is the expected value of the Government's own requirements of radio and electronic components for civil and military use during the current year and the first and second halves of 1967, respectively.
§ Mr. BennThe estimated value of the requirements of the main purchasing Departments during the current financial years is around £80 million. The figures for 1967–68 will be available when the Estimates are published.
§ 68. Mr. Biffenasked the Minister of Technology when he expects to conclude his examination of the possibility of forecasting Government requirements of radio and electronic components; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BennWe want to give component manufacturers as much advance knowledge as possible about future Government requirements of radio and electronic components. My Department in consultation with the industry and the main purchasing Departments, is examining ways in which this process might be improved. The range of products involved is of course very wide.
§ Mr. Biffenasked the Minister of Technology by what means he proposes to inform Parliament and the electronics industry of the expected value of future Government requirements of radio and electronic components.
§ Mr. BennI shall not be able to say what kind of information can be made available or by what means, until the254W work referred to in my Answer today to the hon. Member's Question No. 68 is further advanced.