§ Mr. David Atkinsonasked the Minister for Trade, in the light of his responsibility for the distributive trades, what latest studies he has made of the use of microtechnology in shops; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. VaughanThe use of computers in shopping is likely to grow rapidly in importance in the near future—opening up potentially revolutionary new shopping methods available by various users of microtechnology. These will benefit customers—not least old-age pensioners, the disabled, and the house-bound. I have begun informal discussions about developments in this282W area. I expect shortly to see representatives both from the distributive trades and those with customer interests in mind. I shall be working closely with my hon. Friends the Under-Secretary of State for Trade and the Minister for Information Technology.