Mr. Luke: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on innovation and enterprise in Scotland.[146405]Mrs. McGuire: Innovation and enterprise are at the heart of productivity growth and social gain. Scotland has gained aninternational reputation as a centre of innovation and expertise in life sciences and other technologies.The Chancellor's recent pre-Budget report announced a number of measures, which build on existing programmes to promote innovationand enterprise in Scotland and across the UK. These include a widening of the eligibility for research and development tax credits,reforms to reduce the regulatory burden on enterprise and measures to overcome barriers facing small business when raising finance.