§ Mr. Soamesasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps his Department is taking to promote and encourage innovation and technology.
§ Mr. PattieA range of measures are operated by my Department to promote, encourage and support research and development, innovation and the spread and application of up-to-date technology. The major points are as follows.
The business and technical advisory services help small and medium firms benefit from consultancy advice on technical problems, quality and design and the exploitation of new technology.The support for innovation scheme introduced in May 1982 offers financial support for research and development projects leading to new products and processes. £790 million has been offered to support over 6,500 projects.Support for national regional investment includes grants for selected capital investment projects including the production or design of advanced microelectronics, fibre optic and optoelectronic components, and for the acquisition of CAD systems for the design of integrated circuits.My Department supports collaborative R and D. A notable example is the Alvey programme, a five-year programme of collaborative research in advanced information technology.Assistance is provided to civil aircraft and aero-engine R and D and to support the space programme.My Department includes four industrial research establishments, the National Physical Laboratory, the National Engineering Laboratory, Warren Spring Laboratory and the Laboratory of the Government Chemist.My Department actively promotes international R and D programmes such as ESPRIT and EUREKA in order that British firms secure the benefits of participation.In all, this year my Department's expenditure on scientific and technological assistance and support for investment in innovation is expected to be about £440 million.