§ Dr. IddonTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps he has taken to enhance science in his Department since the publication of the Government's science strategy Investing in Innovation. [162250]
§ Hilary BennThe Department for International Development has maintained its commitment to the use of science for policy making and delivery, and our investment in science and research is set to increase from the current £80 million per financial year to at least £100 million by 2006–07. Details are set out in the Forward Look 2003 on Government funded science, engineering and technology.
Together with other departments, DFID is improving the way it uses science in its policy work—building on the recommendations of the Cross Cutting Review (CCR) and Investing in Innovation– and the CCR implementation plan being pursued in cooperation with the Office of Science and Technology (OST).
Specifically, DFID is developing a new research strategy, the draft of which will be published shortly for consultation. The draft will set out DFID's main areas of focus and proposals for future Tending, including African agricultural productivity, the killer diseases for the poor, climate change, and long-run social and political changes. DFID will also publish a document on how it uses science, with examples of research capacity building efforts in developing countries.
DFID will appoint two experienced scientists—one recommended by the Government's Chief Scientist—to conduct a review of scientific advice in DFID and the case for appointing a Chief Scientist. The Department will also set up a new advisory board, which would include an eminent scientist and representatives from developing countries. The board will at its first meeting consider DFID's contribution to building science capacity in the developing world.