§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Scretary of State for Wales what efforts he has made to develop the microelectronics industry in Wales over the past four years; and with what result.
§ Mr. John Stradling ThomasWe have consistently attached the highest priority to the development of advanced technology industries including microelectronics in Wales. In conjunction with other interested bodies, the Welsh office has sought to create the 95W conditions and infrastructure which are conducive to this. Arrangements for encouraging investment from overseas have been strengthened and the new organisation WINvest will energetically seek to accelerate the inflow of microelectronics and other advanced technology companies to Wales. Financial assistance for individual projects has been made available under sections 7 and 8 of the Industrial Development Act 1982 and under the Science and Technology Act 1965. The establishment over the last four years of a number of new microelectronics companies in Wales and the expansion of several such indigenous companies demonstrates that these policies are succeeding.