§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has to increase private funding for science research. [46218]
§ Mr. Battle[holding answer 16 June 1998]: The Government are looking at ways in which the private sector's contribution to science research can be increased. My Department has recently published, in conjunction with H.M. Treasury, a consultative document, "Innovating 240W for the Future: Investing in R&D" seeking views on this matter. This area is also being addressed in the Comprehensive Spending Review.
It is also important to ensure that the private sector takes advantage of the output of the UK's highly rated Science Base and the recently announced "University Challenge" fund will assist in this process.