§ Mr. IngramTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment he has made of the report of the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology on the level of Government support for nanotechnology; and if he will make a statement. [4566]
§ Mr. Ian TaylorI have carefully considered this report which recognises the long-term public support for nanotechnology provided by both the research councils and by my Department. At least two new projects relevant to nanotechnology have recently been introduced through the foresight programme, including a national centre for microelectronics. Developments in nanotechnology have potential applications in many other generic priorities identified by foresight.