§ Mr. Iain Millsasked the Prime Minister if she will consider the preparation of a detailed national research and development plan through NEDO and ACARD in order to identify priority areas for research and development for industry sections and product groups over the next 10 years.
§ The Prime Minister:No. I believe that industry itself is the best place for identifying detailed priority areas for industrial R & D. In general, the Government have a role in supporting industrial R & D and in developing with industry a framework within which both can take R & D decisions. Industry is providing valuable advice to the Government through industrial membership on ACARD, NEDO sector working parties and the Department of Industry's research requirements boards.