§ Mr. RowlandsTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what are the key functions of the Biotechnology and Biological Science Research Council; when the council was established; by what authority; and if she will list the names of the chairman and secretary. [9627]
§ Mr. BattleThe Science and Technology Act 1965 makes provision for the establishment of research councils. The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council was incorporated under royal charter on 1 April 1994. The council's mission is set out in the royal charter and is
to promote and support, by any means, high-quality basic, strategic and applied research and related post-graduate training relating to the understanding and exploitation of biological systems;to advance knowledge and technology, and provide trained scientists and engineers, which meet the needs of users and beneficiaries—including the agriculture, bioprocessing, 667W chemical, food, health care, pharmaceutical and other biotechnological-related industries—thereby contributing to the economic competitiveness of the United Kingdom and the quality of life;to provide advice, disseminate knowledge, and promote public understanding in the fields of biotechnology and the biological sciences.The chairman of the council is Sir Alistair Grant, chairman of Scottish and Newcastle plc, and the chief executive is Professor Raymond Baker FRS.