HC Deb 09 April 1984 vol 58 cc9-10W
Mr. Randall

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether, in allocating Government grants under the microelectronics industrial support programme, British-owned companies will be given greater priority than foreign-owned multinational companies.

Mr. Butcher

Support under the microelectronics industry support programme (MISP2) is available to companies operating in the United Kingdom for projects that meet the published objectives, in particular to ensure that the United Kingdom's electronic equipment industry has access to internationally competitive microelectronics components. Under the earlier MISP scheme, 83 per cent. of support was offered to British-owned companies.

Mr. Randall

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether INMOS will be encouraged by the Government to apply for part of the Government grant to industry through the micro-electronics industrial support programme; and whether the Government will give any special considerations to such an application by INMOS.

Mr. Butcher

INMOS is aware that it may apply for support under the various Departmental schemes, including the microelectronics industry support programme, and that its application will be considered on the same basis as those from other companies.

Mr. Stott

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether Japanese and United States companies based in the United Kingdom will be entitled to apply for grants under the recently announced micro-electronics industry support programme—2.

Mr. Butcher

Companies established in the United Kingdom which produce or use microelectronic components, or supply goods or services needed for the production of such components, are eligible to apply for assistance under the microelectronics industry support programme (MISP2). The Department's priorities for making grants have been set out in a background note, a copy of which is available in the Library of the House.

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