§ Mr. Kenneth Clarkeasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how much has so far been spent by the Science Research Council on support for the microelectronics industry or the application of microelectronic technology; and how much more money the council has available to spend in this field.
§ Mrs. Shirley Williams:Although it is responsible for basic research and not for the direct support of industry, the Science Research Council takes full account of future industrial needs. Since 1977 it has committed £ 3 million to research in microelectronics. Following a review by a special panel, it is likely to commit a further £ 15 million to be spent over the next five years on selected applications of microtechnology, including industrial robotics and silicon chip design. It is also proposing to increase the number of postgraduate students which it supports in this field.