Regional Science Councils

HC Deb 18 July 2003 vol 409 c706W

Mrs. Curtis-Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has to create more regional science councils. [124118]

Ms Hewitt

Regional Science Councils or similar bodies are created by the regions themselves and not by central Government. However, the Government have consistently commended the board model of such councils. Most recently—as announced in the Budget statement in April—I have asked Sir Tom McKillop—in his capacity as Chair of the North West Science Council—to lead a network to ensure that best practice in promoting innovation and knowledge transfer is exchanged, and that models of Science and Industry Councils come into operation in every region as soon as practicable.