International Science and Technology Work: FCO Funding

HL Deb 07 March 2001 vol 623 cc31-2WA

Baroness Smith of Gilmorehill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have any plans to increase the resources that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office devotes to international science and technology work. [HL1096]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

As part of its contribution to the Government's competitiveness agenda, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office funds and manages a science and technology network currently based in 10 countries. As a result of the 2000 spending review, it can now allocate an additional £3 million to science and technology work over the next three financial years (2001–04). This will mean doubling the number of countries in which our diplomatic posts have specialist science and technology staff, and the creation of a dedicated Science and Technology Unit in the FCO.