§ Mr. Parkasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what effect his Department's microelectronics application project has had on the uptake of microelectronics in Great Britain's factories.
§ Mr. ButcherSurveys carried out by the independent Policy Studies Institute, have shown that in 1983 microelectronics was used in 47 per cent. of all United Kingdom factories employing 20 or more people. Preliminary figures from a further survey undertaken during 1985 indicate a significantly increased level of use. The report detailing the latest survey is in the course of preparation and will be published in the spring. In 1978, when the microelectronics applications project began, it was estimated that only 5 per cent. of companies were using microelectronics in their products and production or manufacturing processes. Since then, activities under MAP have been varied and continuous and these will have made a major contribution to the increased use of microelectronics in British industry.