HC Deb 16 November 1976 vol 919 cc558-9W
Mr. Grylls

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will list in the Official Report a summary of the main recommendations of the report from the Sector Working Party Paper on electrical components industry, listing the preliminary recommendations submitted to date, together with the action taken so far.

Mr. Alan Williams

The first report of the Sector Working Party, which made a number of recommendations for action by Government, management and unions has already been played in the Library of the House. The following is a summary of the main recommendations put to Government together with an outline of the action taken so far.

Recommendation.—Government policy should be to allow a greater degree of stability to the consumer goods sector, by not discriminating against it in future action to regulate the level of consumer demand.

Action.—The views of the Sector Working Party will be taken fully into account, but it has to be recognised that the overall macroeconomic objectives of the Government have to take the ultimate priority.

Recommendation.—The present licensing system for colour TV tubes should be continued and used as a monitor of imports and import prices.

Action.—This surveillance system remains in force.

Recommendation.—The international competitiveness of the electronic components sector should be improved.

Action.—DOI is considering, in conjunction with industry, the introduction of a new investment scheme for electronic components under Section 8 of the Industry Act whereby selective financial support, covering development through to product launch, can be given to priority product areas. The Sector Working Party is being brought fully into these considerations.

Recommendation.—There should be an increasing adoption of the British Standard Specification for electronic components, BS 9000, with the aim of improving the quality of many of the products of this sector.

Action.—One aspect of the components scheme which is under consideration would be to provide financial support for components to be approved under BS 9000.

Recommendation.—Communication within the electronics industry on the availability of and demand for components should be improved.

Action.—The Electronics Component Board is consulting with equipment manufacturers' trade associations on forward demand, identification of potential shortages and possible action.