§ Mr. Gryllsasked the Secretary of State for Industry, further to his reply to the hon. Member for Surrey, North-West on 16th November, what further reports have been received from the sector working party on the computer industry, and what action has now been taken to implement its recommendations.
Mr. Alan WilliamsThe sector working party prepared a general report on the progress of its work for the NEDC meeting on 2nd February. As to specific actions, in reply to a Question from the hon. Member on 23rd March I reported that the sector working party had offered advice on means to strengthen the United Kingdom computer industry, and the confidential discussions which resulted from that are continuing. The sector working party has also made a statement on the future operation of the Government's procurement policy. This has been taken into account in the Government's review.