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Dept of Trade and Industry

Answer

Mr. Sumberg: To ask the President of the Board of Trade when he expects to publish the 1996 "Forward Look of Government-funded Science, Engineering and Technology".[30642] Mr. Lang: The 1996 "Forward Look of Government-funded Science, Engineering and Technology", and its companion volume, "Science, Engineering and Technology Statistics 1996", were laid in the House this morning. This year, in response to a recommendation of the Science and Technology Committee, I have presented the documents as Command Papers. This will increase their accessibility to Members of both Houses. This is the third such annual publication. The "Forward Look" reiterates the Government's commitment to the White Paper policies set out in "Realising Our Potential". It describes the Government's strategy for publicly funded science, engineering and technology (SET) within a framework of five broad objectives: to develop publicly funded SET to meet the country's future needs, taking account of `Technology Foresight', and fostering partnership between the science and engineering base, industry and Government. to maintain the excellence of UK science, engineering and technology, to advance knowledge, increase understanding and produce highly educated and trained people. to improve public awareness and understanding of SET to maximise the effectiveness of our EU and international collaboration in meeting UK objectives to promote collaboration between Government Departments and ensure that trans-departmental SET issues are handled effectively, while improving efficiency and value for money. The "Forward Look" also presents future SET expenditure plans, includes statements by individual departments and research councils on their programmes, and reports progress on implementing the 1993 White Paper.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

30642; 278 c144-5W

Session

1995-96

Subjects

Policy Technology Research Science