§ Mr. Newtonasked the Secretary of State for Industry (1) how many of the proposals for support under the Microelectronic Support Scheme have involved co-operation between firms held not to qualify for direct support under the scheme and other firms; how many have been accepted; and at what cost;
(2) how many proposals for shared cost R & D microelectronics have come forward from companies held not to qualify for direct support under the Microelectronic Support Scheme; how many have been accepted; and at what cost.
Mr. Alan WilliamsThere have been 91 projects submitted for support under the Microelectronic Support Scheme which involve co-operation between firms held not to qualify for direct support under the Scheme and those who do. Of these 9L proposals, 83 were accepted and the
1118Wemployment is expected to arise from the letting of Government factories, from payment of regional development grants and residual payments under the Local Employment Acts. Regional aid is not available outside the assisted areas.
Department has paid £2,327,451 as its contribution to the resulting R and D work.
Inquiries have been received for direct support under the Microelectronic Support Scheme from companies held not to qualify but, since eligibility is established at an early stage, no proposals of this sort have been received.