§ Mr. Corrieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the Scottish microelectronics development programme will continue beyond 1983–84.
§ Mr. YoungerThe Scottish microelectronics development programme was set up by me in 1980 for a four-year period to 31 March 1984 primarily to promote an awareness in schools and colleges of the implications of microelectronics and the study of applications. In view of the subsequent rapid development of computing in this area I have now decided that SMDP should continue in being indefinitely and that it should be developed into a software library information centre and research and development facility. The precise form of the new centre and its level of funding after 31 March 1984, will depend on the outcome of consultations my Department is having with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities.