§ Dr. John Cunninghamasked the Secretary of State for Industry whether, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Whitehaven on 22 February, Official Report, column 574, he has considered the decision of the Biogen Company not to invest in industrial development in Great Britain; what conclusions he has reached; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WakehamI understand that there have been no recent decisions by Biogen not to invest in industrial development in Great Britain. The Government believe that, biotechnology is an important area for research and development. We are currently spending at least £6 million per annum on R and D, with further funding for the basic science. This is above the level called for in the Spinks report. In addition, there is authorised investment by the British Technology Group in biotechnology exceeding £13 million.