§ Mr. BreedTo ask the President of the Board of Trade by what criteria the comprehensive spending review will identify the resource requirements of the foresight programme. [33622]
§ Mr. BattleThe UK Foresight programme develops visions of the future to guide today's decision-makers. Foresight aims to generate outputs which identify significant market opportunities or threats; identify emerging capabilities of, and demand for, science, engineering and technology; highlight areas of policy, regulation, education and training where Government action would deliver widespread benefits; and set an agenda for action by the business, scientific, voluntary and public sectors to increase national wealth and quality of life.
The resource requirement of the Foresight programme will be decided in the light of the criteria set out by my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary when he announced the Terms of Reference of the Comprehensive Spending Review on 24 July 1997: whether it meets the public interest; whether it contributes to the Government's objectives of promoting opportunity, employment, 76W investment and fairness; whether it is the most effective way of achieving those objectives; and whether there is scope for improving efficiency and effectiveness.