§ Mr. Blairasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proportion of Government research and development contracts went to the northern region in each of the last five years; and if he will take steps to increase this proportion.
§ Mr. Trippier[pursuant to his reply, 30 January 1984, c. 39]: Government expenditure on research and development was £3,381 million in 1981–82. Two thirds of this money was spent outside government establishments, some through contracts — mainly from the Ministry of Defence for development work—and some through grants, including those made by the University Grants Committee and the research councils. Information on the regional breakdown of these expenditures is generally not available. However, information relating to the assistance offered by my Department under "Support for Innovation" since it was launched on 6 May 1982 is shown in the table.
Region Applications received Offers made Assistance offered £ million
North East 113 60 4.2 North West 270 138 15.6 Total United Kingdom 2,623 1,450 215.4. Organisations in all areas of the country are equally eligible for support under this scheme. However, as indicated in paragraph 38 of Cmnd. 9111— Regional Industrial Development—the Government recognised the need to encourage innovation in assisted areas and would welcome views on whether special measures are required.
§ Mr. Blairasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if the Government will establish a regionally-based organisation in the north of England with sufficient funds and resources to ensure an effective take-up of new technology by industry.
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§ Mr. Trippier[pursuant to his reply, 30 January 1984, c. 39]: My right hon. Friend has no plans to establish such an organisation.
§ Mr. Blairasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will take steps to increase the assistance available to small firms and high technology firms wishing to set up in the northern region.
§ Mr. Trippier[pursuant to his reply, 30 January 1984, c. 39]: Assistance to firms wishing to set up in business is already available through my Department's small firms centre in Newcastle, and the local enterprise agencies in the region. In addition, assistance is available under the support for innovation scheme for viable research and development projects, and small manufacturing firms already in business can obtain advice through the small firms technical inquiries service. We continually keep all such assistance under review, and the White Paper "Regional Industrial Development" (Cmnd. 9111) invites views on a number of issues, including measures in the assisted areas to encourage innovation and new firm formation.