§ Sir G. Sinclairasked the Minister of Technology, in view of the success of the United States Government in fostering the growth of their computer industry, what further measures he is taking to encourage the public and private sectors in the United Kingdom to use British computers.
§ Mr. BennAs my predecessor stated in the House in November, 1965, purchases of computers by the Government will be made from British firms whenever reasonably possible. Other public authorities have been invited to take into account the desirability of supporting the British industry. My Computer Advisory Service provides objective294W advice and assistance on computer requirements in the public sector, and they draw attention to the merits of British computers where these are being overlooked. The Government's participation in the recently announced merger of computer companies will help to strengthen further the competitiveness of the British industry, especially through the provision of grants towards research and development. The British manufacturers will continue to benefit from the wide variety of measures in the Government's programme to encourage the greater use of computers in Britain.—[Vol. 721, cc. 32–33; Vol. 761, cc. 607–613.]