October 10, 1984

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1984 The Economy Copyright protection for computer-chip designs was approved unanimously by the House. The measure, passed earlier by the Senate, for the first time protects manufacturers from piracy of the designs, which take years to develop and cost millions of dollars. The designs, essentially patterns of wires and switches etched onto silicon wafers, determine how each chip functions. (Page A1.)

The widow and one daughter of Walt Disney said yesterday that they had informally joined together and hired the Wall Street firm of Dillon, Read & Company to advise them about their holdings in Walt Disney Productions. Analysts said the two might now seek to assert more control over the company. In a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington, Lillian B. Disney and her daughter Sharon Disney Lund said they held a 5.5 percent stake in the company. They said they had hired Dillon, Read to ''consider alternative means by which their interests may more effectively be represented in the policies and direction'' of the company.

Midway Airlines Inc., which was founded five years ago as a low-cost carrier and transformed itself into an airline dedicated to the business traveler, is coming full circle, in a sense. On Monday, Midway will introduce a low-cost, no-frills service called Midway Express, using planes, equipment and about 300 employees from Air Florida under a reorganization plan for that carrier that was approved last month by a bankruptcy judge. In 1982 Midway's management, arguing that large carriers were matching its low fares and jeopardizing its survival, decided to move away from its no-frills approach and cater to the executive traveler, offering wider seats and better food and service. So why does the carrier, which began its operations out of little-used Midway Airport in Chicago, think its original formula will work now?

President Reagan, responding to campaign charges by Walter F. Mondale, today went beyond his previous position and promised to oppose cuts in Social Security benefits for future as well as current retirees. Mr. Reagan's inclusion of ''future recipients'' went further than a statement he made in the debate Sunday with Mr. Mondale, his Democratic opponent. Mr. Reagan said then that he would oppose any cut in benefits ''to the people now getting them.'' The statement today, which the White House denied was a departure from the President's basic position, was issued by his spokesman, Larry Speakes, along with an accusation that Mr. Mondale, in campaign charges this morning, was engaging in ''demagoguery'' and attempting to ''frighten the elderly.'' Mondale Continues Attack In Cincinnati Mr. Mondale, noting Mr. Reagan's statement on Sunday, said the White House planned to cut Social Security benefits for those not now receiving them. After the White House statement, Mr. Mondale continued criticizing Mr. Reagan regarding his intentions on benefits. (Page A20.)

''Father in Heaven, we are here under duress, but we imposed this on ourselves.'' - The Rev. Richard C. Halverson, the chaplain, opening the Senate Tuesday. (A22:4.)