HC Deb 31 October 1984 vol 65 cc1006-7W
Mr. Batiste

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which are the 10 largest companies in terms of computer sales in the United Kingdom; and, in respect of those companies, in which countries ultimate control resides.

Mr. Pattie

The information requested (in alphabetical order) is as follows:

Acorn Computer Group plc. Burroughs Machines Ltd., Control Data Ltd., Digital Equipment Co. Ltd., Hewlett-Packard Ltd., Honeywell Ltd., IBM United Kingdom Holdings Ltd., ICL plc, NCR Ltd., Sperry Ltd.

Source: Total turnover recorded in latest annual figures.

Acorn Computer Group plc and ICL plc are companies controlled from within the United Kingdom. Ultimate control of the remaining companies resides in the United States.

Mr. Batiste

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what percentage of computers sold in the United Kingdom contains no United States manufactured or licensed components.

Mr. Pattie

The information requested is not available.

Mr. Batiste

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what information he has as to how many and which companies selling computers and computer components in or to the United Kingdom seek to impose United States export regulations upon their customers; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Channon

Several instances of this nature have come to the attention of my Department recently, but it is not possible to judge from these how widespread the practice may be. Companies are free to decide the terms on which they will do business with one another, provided that these contravene no United Kingdom law. But United States export control regulations have no force in United Kingdom law in the United Kingdom.

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