Topical question asked in the House of Commons, by Ashok Kumar (Labour). It was answered on Monday, 17 March 2008 on behalf of the Department for Children, Schools and Families.

Topical Questions

Question: Last week, the Chancellor announced an extra £30 million for a science fund for schools. May I ask the Secretary of State how schools in my constituency can access this fund? I invite him to come to my constituency to see the excellent work being carried out at Freebrough engineering college to train future scientists and engineers.

Answer: Naturally, I would be extremely pleased to visit my hon. Friend's constituency, particularly as he is a consistent advocate for the importance of science. The £10 million of Government funding for Project Enthuse that was pledged by the Chancellor last week will be matched, we expect, by equal investment from business and the Wellcome Trust to make £30 million. Secondary schools will be able to develop the skills and knowledge of their science teachers through professional development as a result of that investment.

Secondary information