asked the Secretary of State for Industry what study his Department is making of industrial opportunities likely to result from development of electronic chips.

The Department, in association with other European Governments and with the Commission of the EEC, has subscribed to a major study by a consultant of the market for semiconductors, including integrated circuits. The Electronics Research Council, which advises the Ministry of Defence and the Department of Industry, will give special attention to this sector during the coming year and so will the Computer Systems and Electronics Research Requirements Board. Several sector working parties under the industrial strategy are also concerned with the effect on industry of integrated circuit developments.