DSR 11C
the development of new information technology products,
including computer software.
Such support has almost
doubled in real terms since my Government came to office.
That shows the strength of our commitment to advancing
innovation.
not
This support is/ an easy alternative to private funding.
Businessmen will still be expected to back their decisions.
to invest in new technologies with substantial funds of
their own. In the last resort it is for the businessmen
themselves to judge whether or not to go ahead with a new
lon
design, product or productive process.
Governments should
not substitute their judgement for the commercial one.
Governemnt does however have a crucial role to play in
education and training for the new technologies,
particularly in encouraging schools and colleges to provide
appropriate facilities.
Small and new firms are vital for industrial
economic
-
and
growth. Since we took office in May 1979 we
have tried to encourage independent enterprise and create
an environment stimulating to the setting up or the
expansion of small firms. We have, for example, reduced or
removed legislative and administrative burdens which can
bear particularly heavily on the small firm with limited or
overstretched management resources. We have stimulated the
flow of investment funds to small business by fiscal and
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