§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what are his current plans for the future of the Faraday centres programme; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LeighMy Department has consulted widely on the needs of industry which could be met by a series of "Faraday centres" as proposed by HRH the Prince of Wales's working group on innovation. I have concluded that a strong case for the establishment of Faraday centres does not exist but that the principles underlying the Faraday proposals should be taken forward as part of developing science and technology policy.
The House of Lords Select Committee on Science and Technology has reached similar conclusions and I refer the hon. Gentleman to my Department's evidence to this Committee published on 20 January 1993—HMSO: HL50.