§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will take steps to draw up ways to further research and development in biotechnological processes which can be exploited by British industry before major competitors from other countries dominate this field.
§ Mr. Les Huckfield, pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 15 February 1979; Vol. 962, c. 618], gave the following information:
While acknowledging the potential importance of biotechnology, I am satisfied that research and development, both on behalf of United Kingdom industry and within industry itself, can be advanced satisfactorily under existing arrangements. A favourable attitude towards work in this area is already being taken by relevant funding bodies, including the chemicals and minerals requirements board of this Department. In view of the already considerable activity among United Kingdom industrial companies, I see no need for further measures at this stage.