§ High Technology Industries
§ Mr. Chris Pattenasked the Secretary of State for Industry how much financial assistance, including provision for training, has been given to high technology industries in each of the last five years; what is the expected level of assistance in 1981; and what are the comparable figures for the United States of America, West Germany, France and Japan.
§ Mr. Patrick Jenkin:In each of the last five financial years the Department of Industry's financial assistance to high technology industries, excluding payments of regional grants and selective assistance under the Industry Act 1972, amounted to
1976–77 332 1977–78 205 1978–79 254 1979–80 318 1980–81 329 * This includes scientific and technological support, part of NEB assistance and project assistance in the aerospace sector.Source: "The Government's Expenditure Plans"; Cmnd 8175.The level of such assistance in 1981–82 is expected to be £385 million—in 1980 survey prices. Some provision for training is included in the above figures but the Department of Employment is the main source for such funding.
Assistance to high technology industries in the form of regional development grants and selective assistance under the Industry Act 1972, amounted to:
1976–77 171 1977–78 170 1978–79 217 1979–80 219 1980–81 282 1980–81 282 Sources: Annual Reports of the Industry Act 1972.Department of Industry.The RDG estimates do not include aerospace but it is thought that RDG expenditure in this sector is relatively low.
No comparable figures on the above basis are available for the United States of America, West Germany, France and Japan.
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