HC Deb 21 January 1985 vol 71 c279W
Mr. Forman

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proportion of total financial support from his Department was spent on (a) established industries and technologies and (b) new industries and technologies in 1979 and at the latest available date, respectively.

Mr. Butcher

The objective of the Department's support in this area is not to distinguish between new and established industries but to stimulate innovation and the use of the latest appropriate technology, in all industries. As a percentage of the total, but declining, expenditure of the Department of Trade and Industry, scientific and technological assistance offered has risen from 6.3 per cent. in 1979–80 to 21.4 per cent. in 1983–84. That is from £142 million to £342 million.