§ Mr. Eldon Griffithsasked the Secretary of State for Industry what studies he has made of the impact of Japanese imports on the scale and weighing machine industry and, in particular, on its long-term ability to meet the requirements of British defence manufacturers from a secure source; what representations have been made to Her Majesty's Government on this subject and on implications for British industry in general by the Defence Manufacturers Association; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacGregorRepresentatives of the scale and weighing machine industry have drawn my attention to the changing pattern of United Kingdom manufacture and imports and the technology required to meet users needs. Support for the development of new products is available under the microelectronics applications project and other Departmental schemes which provide support for innovation. I am keeping the subject generally under review, but I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to his earlier question about representations from the Defence Manufacturers Association.—[Vol. 29,c. 476.]