§ 18. Mr. Gryllsasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the objectives and progress so far of his Department's small firms merit award for research and technology programme; if he is considering any changes to the programme for the future; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PattieThe small firms merit award for research and technology is intended to encourage new and innovative companies in research and development initiatives. The first 20 awards were made in October and all the winning projects will be monitored and considered for further support next October. I consider that the scheme has been very successful in stimulating good innovative projects, although it will be some time before their commercial prospects become clear. I shall consider how the scheme might be developed in the light of experience of this pilot scheme.
§ 41. Mr. Ron Daviesasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the current situation for research and development funding from his Department.
§ Mr. PattieMy Department plans to spend £415 million in 1986–87 on support for research and development.