§ 7. Dr. Doug Naysmith (Bristol, North-West)What steps are being taken to ensure that products resulting from scientific advances made in the UK are competitive internationally. [2037]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (Miss Melanie Johnson)We are investing nearly £2 billion in the science base and about £250 million in strengthening collaboration between universities and businesses to ensure that scientific breakthroughs are turned into commercial success.
§ Dr. NaysmithI thank my hon. Friend for that reply. I particularly welcome the work of the international technology service. What further steps is the Department taking to ensure that UK companies have access to worldwide knowledge and information?
§ Miss JohnsonWe are developing a number of initiatives that will give further momentum to entrepreneurial education for science and engineering students. A £15 million fund is available for a further round of the university challenge to enable good universities to access seed funds, which will assist in the transformation of good research into good business.
In addition, we are doing more to make sure that scientists will be rewarded. We are working to produce a brain gain in the UK—[HON. MEMBERS: "A brain what?"] A brain gain, as opposed to the brain drain that happened under the last Conservative Government. I am pleased to be able to tell the House that my noble Friend the Minister for Science will announce later today that five scientists will be rewarded in a five-year £20 million scheme to attract and retain the best scientific talent in the UK.
§ Mr. David Heath (Somerton and Frome)I am not sure about the phrase "brain gain" but I support the move that has just been announced. Does the Minister agree that scientific progress can be made only if we have free exchange of the benefits of research? To that end, can she tell me what progress ha: been made in securing international agreements to prevent scientific protectionism, such as the patenting of naturally occurring genetic material or genotypes?
§ Miss JohnsonI agree with the hon. Gentleman that that is an important issue, and we are in discussion with our European partners so as to make progress on it.
§ Brian White (Milton Keynes, North-East)Does my hon. Friend agree that clustering is one of the best ways to develop scientific breakthroughs? Can she assure me that where clusters, such as the Oxford and Cambridge 920 technology arc, cross regional development agency and Small Business Service boundaries, artificial constraints will not inhibit technological development?
§ Miss JohnsonI entirely agree that it is important to make clustering work, and I am sure that those working in science are keen that it should. We have been emphasising the role of regional development agencies in technology, and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State spoke to the chairmen of the RDAs earlier this week to stress their role in ensuring that business and science in the UK are successful.