§ Andrew GeorgeTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much her Department has spent in each year since 1995(a) as 395W a Department and (b) through grants to external bodies on (i) the promotion of and (ii) research into biotechnology. [121653]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 25 June 2003]: In the years since 1995 my department has spent the following on biotechnology research:
Financial year1 2 Total R&D spend on Biotechnology (£ million) 1995–96 20.5 1996–97 23.2 1997–98 25.6 1998–99 29.3 1999–2000 25.3 2000–01 29.4 2001–02 29.7 2002–03 33.2 2003–04 26.23 1 Defra was created during the 2001–02 FY. Figures for previous years cover old MAFF and DETR biotechnology research programmes 2 Defined as research into the application of biological organisms, systems and processes to manufacturing and service industries. This covers genetic modification research, but goes much wider to include, among other techniques, fused cell techniques, protein engineering, fermentation and cell culture techniques, the production of vaccines and monoclonal antibodies. 3 Figures for the current year are provisional. A number of contracts may be in the process of being let and not yet included in year total. This money has all been spent through contracts with external bodies. No money has been spent by my department on the direct promotion of biotechnology.