Written question asked by Keith Vaz (Labour) on Wednesday, 26 October 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 28 October 2005. It was answered by Alun Michael (Labour) on Monday, 7 November 2005 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Manufacturing, Science and Engineering

Question: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the impact on gross domestic product of changes to the (a) manufacturing, (b) science and (c) engineering sectors of the domestic economy over the next 10 years.

Answer: I have been asked to reply.The Government do not produce 10-year forecasts for sectors of the economy, but the Government do have a number of policies to assist the manufacturing, science and engineering sectors. These include the Government manufacturing strategy, which is based on applying science and innovation, world-class practice, raising investment, and a high level of skills to create high-value manufacturing and engineering sectors and drive up productivity. By 2007–08 we will have doubled the science budget, from £1.3 billion in 1997–98 to £3.3 billion, with the long-term objective of increasing overall R&D spend to 2.5 per cent. of GDP by 2014 from its current level of around 1.9 per cent.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 23648; 439 c92W;439 c92W
Session: 2005-06
Subjects: Finance Economic situation Engineering Forecasts Manufacturing industries Science
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk