asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will make a further statement about the Government's support for the computer leasing activities of International Computers Limited.

ICL has entered into an agreement with Barclays Leasing Co. Ltd. which will provide finance for the leasing of computers on the home market additional to that already provided by Computer Leasings Ltd. and Midland—ICL Leasing Ltd. At the request of ICL, the Government have agreed to extend to the arrangements with Barclays the support announced by the Minister for Aerospace on 30th July 1971 in respect of the agreement for leasing finance between ICL and Computer Leasings Ltd. Accordingly, Barclays Leasing Co. Ltd. was informed on 5th June that the Government would be prepared to assist ICL in fulfilling its obligations under the new agreement.