§ Mr. Ian Lloydasked the Secretary of State for Industry what progress has been made in carrying out the European Council's decision at its meeting in Dublin in 1979 to develop policies for promoting the development of telematics industries within the European Community; and whether he anticipates further progress in this area before the end of 1981.
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§ Mr. Michael MarshallSince the European Council meeting in November 1979, the Commission has developed proposals in two key areas of information technology (telematics)—a draft regulation for a scheme to support microelectronics manufacture, and draft recommendations for greater harmonisation and increased competition in the field of telecommunications. The United Kingdom Government have welcomed in principle both proposals, which are currently being discussed in council working groups. There has also been further progress in other areas. For example, existing activities such as the multiannual data processing programme and data base enhancements are continuing. The United Kingdom Government fully support the Commission's initiative and have emphasised the need for prompt action at community level to build up a European capability in this field.