§ Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Industry what study he has made of the effects on the laboratory equipment industry of curbs in university spending; what plans he has to stimulate the industry; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CryerThe difficulties facing some firms in the laboratory equipment and scientific instrument industry have no doubt been increased by curbs in public sector spending. The problems of this sector were taken into account in formulating the instrumentation and automation industry scheme announced last August, which complements the assistance already 555W available under the Science and Technology Act 1965. It is too early to assess the effect of the scheme, but the number of inquiries generated by the announcement indicate that it will prove a significant stimulant.