§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the estimated expenditure on(a) the support for products under research scheme and (b) the small firms merit award for research and technology scheme for (i) 1997–98 and (ii) 1998–99. [12783]
§ Mr. Ian Taylor[holding answer 27 January 1997]: On 15 October 1996, my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade announced a significant rationalisation of the current range of programmes for promoting research and development, including plans for a new scheme in England combining the current SMART. SPUR, SPUR-plus and innovation element of regional enterprise grants. A copy of the announcement, DTI press notice p/96/756, is available in the Library of the House. A further announcement with details of the new scheme, including funding levels for 1997–98 and 1998–99, will be made in due course. Different arrangements will apply in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Work is also being done to enable these schemes to reflect foresight objectives.