HC Deb 31 October 1990 vol 178 cc601-2W
40. Mr. Paice

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to stimulate research and development investment within the small business sector.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

A wide range of Government policies creates a favourable climate for innovation and encourage industry to invest in research and development (R and D). In addition, DTI supports collaborative R and D schemes and technology transfer programmes in which small firms are encouraged to participate. Further support is given through SMART, the small firms merit award for research and technology, which is for firms with fewer than 50 employees. Small firms will be further encouraged by three new schemes which are to be launched early next year with the specific aim of boosting R and D and technology transfer in small and medium-sized firms (SMEs). In addition, the consultancy initiatives, which are designed for SM Es, are to include technology as a specific theme.