Written question asked by Ian Stewart (Labour) on Monday, 2 March 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 4 March 2009. It was answered by Jonathan Shaw (Labour) on Friday, 20 March 2009 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Departmental Scientists

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what his Department's budget for scientific advice and research is in 2008-09; for what purposes the equivalent budget for 2007-08 was used; and how many people employed in his Department have a science or engineering degree.

Answer: The Department does not undertake research into science, technology, engineering or mathematics as usually defined. The only advice which partly requires scientific input comes from the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council. Its budget for 2008-09 was £70,932; it has been similarly funded by DWP and predecessor Departments since its creation in 1948. The secretariat includes one post for which a scientific degree qualification is required. No information is held on other people employed in the Department with a science or engineering degree as it is not a requirement for holding other posts.

Secondary information