Microprocessors: Shortages

(asked on 28th January 2022) - View Source

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have made any assessment of the potential (1) economic, and (2) inflationary, impact on the UK of any global shortage of computer chips; and what steps they are taking to mitigate any impact.


Answered by
Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay Portrait
Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
This question was answered on 11th February 2022

We appreciate the difficulties that businesses are facing around the world as a result of the current chip shortage. The global nature of this market and a confluence of unexpected events, including the unprecedented pandemic, shifts in demand, and the impact of natural disasters, have had widespread ramifications internationally, including for major chip manufacturing countries.

Working closely with industry, experts, and international partners, the Government is looking at options that increase diversification of supply, enhance the resilience of procurement supply chains, and technical options to accelerate diversification away from silicon chips. This includes working with key allies to address risks stemming from the global nature of the industry.

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