§ Mr. Wallerasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he is satisfied that sufficient software is available to enable schools to take full advantage of the microelectronics education programme.
§ Mr. ButcherA great deal of excellent educational software is already available, particularly that developed under the microelectronics education programme and the Scottish microelectronics development programme.
There is, however, a clear need for more software and both the Education Departments, through MEP and SMDP, and the Department of Trade and Industry are continuing to fund further development. However, we would welcome commercial interests playing an increasing role in software production and we are considering how this can best be achieved.