§ Mr. Shersbyasked the Secretary of State for Industry what is his policy for encouraging the British electronics industry to manufacture video recorders and office equipment in the United Kingdom in order to reduce the cost of importing these products from overseas.
§ Mr. Butcher[pursuant to his reply, 21 April 1983, c. 158]: The Government's economic policies are designed 216W to promote competitiveness in all sectors of United Kingdom industry. Within this broad framework, the Department of Industry recognises the particular importance to the United Kingdom economy of electronic-based industries, which are finding increasing application in the office equipment sector. The Department encourages the establishment of new manufacturing plant, including inward investment, and offers financial assistance for the development of new office equipment products. In addition, the Department's "office of the future" projects are providing United Kingdom-based companies with experience of new office technology and are helping to develop awareness among users of the opportunities presented by the automated office.
The Department has actively encouraged the production in the United Kingdom of video tape recorders (VTRs). It has made assistance available to one joint-venture company for the production of VTRs and stands ready to help other new ventures in this field.
The Department welcomed the announcement by two Japanese companies of plans to commence the assembly of VTRs in this country later this year and hopes that the companies concerned will move rapidly towards manufacturing processes incorporating United Kingdom components. Steps have also been taken to ensure that potential investors in this sector are fully aware of the Government assistance available.