§ 51. Mr. David ShawTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to assist small and medium-sized firms in enabling them to obtain technological knowledge from experts.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggSmall and medium-sized firms can already obtain technological knowledge from expert consultants through my Department's consultancy initiatives. The Secretary of State recently announced an extension of these initiatives for a final three years. Consultancies under the scheme will in future focus where appropriate on specific themes of which the application of modern technology is one.
The Department of Trade and Industry also provides information on modern technology and current best practice through various technology transfer programmes including those on modern materials, advanced information technology and industrial lasers. The Secretary of State plans to introduce two new programmes to assist small and medium-sized firms. One will help firms to plan the introduction of modern manufacturing systems. The 604W other will encourage firms to use experts in universities, polytechnics and research organisations to help solve immediate technical problems.