§ Mr. Michael Brownasked the Secretary of State for Industry (1) if he will make a statement on the progress of the microprocessor application project;
(2) whether he has any plans to review the microprocessor application project;
238W(3) what is the purpose of the microprocessor application project; how many civil servants are involved in the project; what is the total cost to public funds per annum; and what has been the total cost to date.
§ Mr. David MitchellThe microprocessor application project is aimed at raising the level of awareness of the potential of microelectronics for United Kingdom industry and encouraging its widespread application. Thirty-six civil servants in the electronics application division of this Department are wholly or mainly engaged in work connected with the project at an approximate cost to public funds of £0.6 million per annum. In addition £5.5 million was allocated to the project, of which £5.5 million has so far been spent. The progress of the project is kept under continuous review and I see no need for a special statement at this stage.
§ Mr. Michael Brownasked the Secretary of State for Industry what was the cost of the MORI poll for the microprocessor application project.
§ Mr. David MitchellThe cost of the MORI survey on senior managers' awareness of the impact of microelectronics was £8,625. This will be offset by receipts from sales.