§ Mr. WrayTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on the investment performance and international competitiveness of the British electronics industry.
§ Mr. ButcherThe United Kingdom electronics industry is a profitable and growing sector which has benefited from the enterprise policies followed by this Government. It invests heavily and has a strong competitive position in a number of areas of the world market. United Kingdom R and D expenditure in the electronics and IT area increased from £1,235 million in 1981 to £1,936 million in 1986. During that period net capital expenditure by the sector increased from £364 million to £657 million.