§ Mr. Stephen O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what the planned regional competition deadlines are for the grant for research and development over the next 28 months; and if she will make a statement; [174711]
(2) what funds have been allocated for the grant for research and development between 2004 and 2007; and if she will make a statement.[174712]
§ Nigel GriffithsOverall spend on programmes to improve UK innovation performance and accelerate business exploitation of science and technologies is planned to increase from £377 million in 2004–05 to over £387 million in 2005–06.
Following a review of the Department's business support Grant for Research and Development was introduced on 1 June 2003 to replace and enhance the Smart scheme. It has proved just as popular as its predecessor so regional competitions for the grants have been introduced to ensure that expenditure on the product remains under control and to ensure that those research and development projects which best meet the grant selection criteria are supported.
The first regional competition deadline for Grant for Research and Development was 28 May. The dates of further competitions are yet to be decided.
The Department is planning to spend £36 million on Grant for Research and Development and its predecessor, Smart, in the financial year 2004–05 and £26 million in 2005–06. Plans for subsequent years will be agreed as part of the 2004 Spending Review process.