Written question asked by Louise Ellman (Labour) on Thursday, 6 December 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 11 December 2007. It was answered by Ian Pearson (Labour) on Tuesday, 18 December 2007 on behalf of the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills.

Science: North West Region

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what assessment he has made of the likely effect of the comprehensive spending review on (a) major science research projects in the North West and (b) physics departments in North Western universities.

Answer: [holding answer 11 December 2007]: Funding for science over the three years of the comprehensive spending review will increase in real terms by 2.7 per cent. per annum in line with the Government's commitment given in the 10 Year Science and Innovation Framework 2004-14 to increase funding in line with GDP growth. The Government have commissioned two reviews of particular relevance to the future of major science research projects and physics departments in the North West. It has asked Sir Tom McKillop to advise on the best way to implement the Government's vision for the Daresbury Science and Innovation Campus as part of his independent review into the future of the Manchester City Region and the North West economy. The Government have also asked Research Councils UK to conduct a number of further reviews of the health of disciplines in the UK. Bill Wakeham, Vice Chancellor of Southampton University, will lead the first of these reviews, which will address the health of physics in the UK.

Secondary information