Mrs. Curtos-ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the work of the North West Science Council; and what steps she is taking to ensure that the research taking place within the region's universities contributes to the Regional Development Agency's economic strategy. [124119]
§ Jacqui SmithThe North West Science Council brings together business, academic and science partners to promote the north-west as a world-class region for science, attracting investment and talent and driving innovation. Its members have the expertise, authority and respect needed to implement the North West Science Strategy, a central feature of which is the need to maximise the exploitation of the knowledge base of the region. The North West Development Agency is represented on the council, and works closely with it and with the region's HEIs to deliver the Regional Economic Strategy.