§ 21. Mr. Robert B. Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the turnover of the United Kingdom software industry in 1970, 1975, 1980 and the latest year for which figures are available.
§ Mr. ButcherWhilst precise figures are not available, our best estimates suggest that the value of traded software and associated services for 1975, 1980 and 1983 were about £250 million, just over £750 million and £1.25 billion respectively. No estimate is available for 1970, but the figure is unlikely to have exceeded £100 million.
§ 25. Mr. Mark Robinsonasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he is satisfied with the export performances of the British software industry.
§ Mr. ButcherThere has been a substantial increase in the value of exports of software products from £65 million-£75 million in 1980 to around £110 million-£130 million in 1983. Whilst this is a respectable performance, there can be no doubt that the industry should be capable of achieving higher overseas sales in the future years.