§ 26. Mr. Nelsonasked the Secretary of State for Industry when he anticipates that the reports of the Central Policy Review Staff and Advisory Council for Applied Research and Development on micro-electronics will be completed and whether he will make a statement on the 353W report of the National Economic Development Organisation working party on the micro-electronics industry, in particular the recommendation that the British Government should provide funds to help promote a stronger technological base in that industry.
§ Mr. VarleyThe studies by the Advisory Council for Applied Research and Development of applications of micro, electronics and of the social, educational and manpower implications of new technologies, should be completed by the autumn. The Central Policy Review Staff will follow up this work within Government. I intend to announce shortly a programme of support for micro-electronics which will be closely in line with the recommendations of the NEDO Electronic Components Sector Working Party. The NEB is also planning to invest in the development of a United Kingdom industry in this field.