§ Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what percentage of gross domestic product in the United Kingdom has been invested in scientific research and development in each of the last five years for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [15091]
§ Mr. Ian TaylorThe figures requested are as follows:
Gross expenditure on scientific Research and Development in the UK Percentage of GDP 1990 2.23 1991 2.16 1992 2.18 1993 2.20 1994 2.19
§ Mr. JonesTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has to increase his Department's budget for science and research development. [15081]
§ Mr. TaylorThe science budget for 1997–98 announced by the President of the Board of Trade on 28 November will be £18 million above the equivalent allocation for the current year. Information about the Department' s other science and technology expenditure will be provided in the expenditure plans report to be published in March.