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Dept of Trade and Industry

Answer

Mr. Vaz: To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make a statement on the Government's policy in respect of scientific and medical research. [1482] Mr. Battle: The Government are committed to a strong science and engineering base and to the maintenance of its international position of excellence, as an essential underpinning resource both to our national economic future and to the quality of life. Research and development and the exploitation of its results will provide the answer to many of the problems faced by society: in health; in social issues; and in the environment. Medical research has a key role in that. Government have a crucial role to play as prime funder of curiosity-driven science, with its proven record of stimulating new innovations and enhancing our quality of life: and as facilitator and co-ordinator to ensure that the efforts of those engaged in scientific research are properly encouraged and developed in the nation's best interests Business has a responsibility for driving the research and development of new and improved products and services. We shall be seeking to: use science and technology to improve our quality of life; encourage new ideas and innovation to the market; strengthen the voice of science in Government; and end the bias against science in our culture. We are committed to re-invigorating the science and engineering base and will be developing policy in the light of the report of the Dearing inquiry into higher education. I shall also be working with business and with colleagues across Government to sustain the health of science, engineering and technology in the UK, to maximise its contribution to economic competitiveness and the quality of life and to improve the way that science is used across Government to inform policy.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

1482; 295 c274W

Session

1997-98

Subjects

Medicine Technology Research Science