§ Mr. Ashdownasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has and what consideration he is giving to assisting with the research and production of gallium arsenide microchips.
§ Mr. ButcherGovernment assistance for research and development and production investment of gallium arsenide integrated circuits has been provided for under the microelectronics industry support programme 2.
The majority of the market for integrated circuits will continue to be satisfied by silicon devices which, accordingly, remain the major priority for assistance under MISP 2. However, because of the importance of the high speed and optical properties of integrated circuits made from gallium arsenide and similar materials, assistance has been earmarked for projects in this area.
Proposals for assistance have been received from three companies and several more are expected.
Support is also being given for research and development in this broad area through the joint optoelectronics research scheme and, indirectly, the ESPRIT programme.