HC Deb 10 July 2003 vol 408 c891W
Mr. Hoyle

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures she is taking to increase research and development in the manufacturing sector. [124462]

Jacqui Smith

We are helping to increase research and development (R&D) in the manufacturing sector through the introduction of a R&D tax credit for small and medium sized companies, and more recently a R&D tax credit for large companies. DTI, HM Treasury and the Inland Revenue will shortly be consulting on an improved definition of R&D, and further simplifications and improvements to the R&D tax credits.