§ 20. Mr. Torneyasked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will make a statement on Government support for fifth generation computer technology.
§ Mr. ButcherThe term "Fifth Generation computer technology" was coined in Japan. It includes a range of technical subjects which, in the United Kingdom, are supported in a rather fragmentary way. For example, my Department provides some support under the £55 million MISP scheme and the Science and Engineering Research Council provides support in universities. However, the technology is likely of be very important in the future development of our IT industry and I have therefore appointed a committee of senior industrialists and accademics to advise me on what further support is needed. The commitee is chaired by Mr. John Alvey, senior technical director of British Telecom, and is due to report to me later this summer.
§ Mr. Ernie Rossasked the Secretary of State for Industry if his Department is sponsoring research work in the following fields of computer technology (a) Josephson junctions, (b) gallium arsenide circuits and (c) high electron mobility transistors; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ButcherThe Department is not currently supporting within computer technology research projects in the fields of Josephson junctions, gallium arsenide circuits and high electron mobility transistors.