§ Mr. Randallasked the Minister of Technology what progress has been made during the last three years in the placing of Government contracts with a view to assisting the electronics industry in the North-East.
§ Mr. BennMy Department has continued to bear in mind the capabilities of electronics firms in the North-East and has placed some contracts. The National Research Development Corporation are supporting the development by a firm of production methods for microcircuits. There has also been a marked increase in employment in factories supplying the Post Office with telecommunications equipment.
63WWe shall continue to look for viable projects in this region consistent with our national need to foster a strong and internationally competitive electronics industry.