§ Mr. Parkasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects to be able to make a statement on the study of British suppliers of biotechnology equipment.
§ Mr. TrippierIn recognition of the central importance of the process plant industry in the development of biotechnology, the biotechnology unit of the Department of Trade and Industry commissioned two complementary studies.
Matthew Hall Norcain Engineering Ltd. surveyed the available items of plant, and analysed their strengths and weaknesses. Thirty separate reports are available to British firms on a "need to have" basis; each reviews a specific type of equipment. The reports have been announced in the press and at the recent conference BIOTECH EUROPE 84.
John Brown Constructors and Engineers plc surveyed the likely future demand for plant and the impact of new technology. That report is near completion, and will be confidential to the Department of Trade and Industry. It will be used as a source of advice to British firms, and to direct support for firms wishing to innovate.
Both studies were commissioned in order to further the Government's effort to foster the development of biotechnology in Britain. There are significant opportunities for British manufacturers of plant. The biotechnology unit aims to help firms identify and address these opportunities.