HC Deb 03 December 1998 vol 321 cc282-3W
16. Mr. Bayley

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to ensure that British scientific research contributes to economic prosperity. [61312]

Mr. Mandelson

The development and commercial exploitation of scientific research is fundamental to a prosperous knowledge-driven economy.

Important steps have already been taken such as:

  • £.1.4 billion additional funding for science;
  • the launch earlier this year of University challenge to help universities turn good research into good business;
  • measures to promote collaborative partnerships such as LINK;
  • the creation, of a £25 million Science Enterprise Challenge announced in my right hon. Friend's the Chancellors Pre-Budget Statement.

My forthcoming Competitiveness White Paper will address this important issue and build on these measures.