§ 20. Dr. CableTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps the Government are taking to increase research and development investment in independent scientific research organisations.[15410]
§ Mr. BattleMy Department is prepared to consider projects from any source provided it is driven by an industry demand. We are well aware of the important role that research organisations can and do play in developing and transferring technology to improve the competitiveness of UK industry, particularly SMEs. Our support for the exciting new TWI/BT concept, JOIN-IT, to deliver technical advice to SMEs via the Internet is an example of how we are prepared to support these organisations to develop novel technology which will benefit UK industry.