HL Deb 11 April 1988 vol 495 cc916-7

2.59 p.m.

Lord Schon asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many university and polytechnic science parks are now operational in the United Kingdom, and what performance criteria are being used to judge their effectiveness in transferring technology to British industry.

Lord Beaverbrook

My Lords, there are 33 operational university and polytechnic science parks in the UK on the latest reckoning. In addition a further three are expected to open in 1988. Ten more are known to be at the planning or feasibility stage. The effectiveness of science parks is normally judged by their success in attracting new businesses and generating new jobs. The Government do not control science parks, and we have not established specific performance criteria along the lines suggested by the noble Lord.

Lord Schon

My Lords, can the Minister say how many schemes receive financial support from industry only and are not government supported?

Lord Beaverbrook

One, my Lords.

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