HC Deb 13 June 1996 vol 279 c260W
Mr. Ingram

To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many foresight challenge bids have been received to date. [32660]

Mr. Ian Taylor

Five hundred and fifteen foresight challenge bids have been received to date.

Mr. Ingram

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what criteria are being used for the evaluation of foresight challenge bids. [32659]

Mr. Taylor

The criteria used for the evaluation of foresight challenge bids are contained in section 6 of the challenge terms and conditions document, which was issued to interested bidders by the Office of Science and Technology in September 1995.

Mr. Ingram

To ask the President of the Board of Trade when the bid timetable for the foresight challenge was announced; and if he will make a statement. [32661]

Mr. Taylor

The timetable for the foresight challenge was announced in September 1995, in the terms and conditions document issued by the Office of Science and Technology.

Mr. Ingram

To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many of the successful applicants for funding under the foresight challenge programme were also members of the foresight panels. [32657]

Mr. Taylor

I shall make an announcement about the successful applicants on 24 June. I shall write to the hon. Member soon after the announcement.

Mr. Ingram

To ask the President of the Board of Trade how payments made under the foresight challenge programme are to be monitored. [32680]

Mr. Taylor

Payments under the foresight challenge programme will be made and monitored by the research councils.

Mr. Ingram

To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many successful applications there have been for funding under the foresight challenge programme. [32658]

Mr. Taylor

I shall make an announcement on 24 June regarding the winning applications.