§ Mr. Ernie Rossasked the Secretary of State for Industry if he has studied the 1981 report by the Policy Studies Institute on the number of British companies using microelectronics in their products; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ButcherYes. It is encouraging that 30 per cent. of manufacturing companies are using microelectronics, but still too many have not yet recognised the tremendous scope it offers for improving performance. As my right hon. Friend announced in the Budget innovation package we shall be making more funds available for the microprocessor application project which the report found to be necessary, cost effective and directed at the main problems. A further announcement will be made in due course.