§ Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will stimulate the use of common software systems for industrial or technological application between public sector users, including Government Departments and the nationalised industries; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ButcherI am anxious to stimulate awareness amongst computer users of the advantages of common software systems. I understand that CCTA is working on a number of developments in this area, whilst the Department of Industry has agreed to an initiative on harmonised development systems and tools based on the report by the NEDO electronics capital equipment sector working party. The attention of public sector bodies will be drawn to the results of this work as appropriate.