§ 18. Mr. Warrenasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much Government money is being made available in the current financial year to International Computers Limited for research on computer softwear.
§ Mr. ChatawayThe 14.2 million which the Government have made available to ICL for the period to September 1973 is for research and development, and a large proportion of this will be spent on software. In the nature of these arrangements, however, it is not possible to give a specific figure for the software element. As additional aid under the development contracts scheme and the advanced computer technology project, ICL will receive an estimated £1.3 million for software research this year.
§ Mr. Goldingasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will take steps to ensure that all computers bought from public funds in the United Kingdom are made in Great Britain.
§ Mr. ChatawayThe arrangements for the purchase of computers for use in central Government are the responsibility of Civil Service Department. These are designed to strengthen ICL's position and to ensure that other United Kingdom manufacturers also have the opportunity to tender for some requirements. Other public sector users have been urged to adopt a similar approach. It would not, however, be appropriate to adopt an entirely inflexible purchasing policy. In a few cases imported equipment only can meet the requirements and these must be provided for.