Written question asked by Keith Vaz (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 6 June 1997. It was answered by John Battle (Labour) on Friday, 6 June 1997 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: What proposals she has to promote further co-operation with the European Union in the field of scientific and medical research.

Answer: Mr. Vaz: To ask the President of the Board of Trade what proposals she has to promote further co-operation with the European Union in the field of scientific and medical research. [1484] Mr. Battle: The Government attach great importance to co-operation with other members of the European Union in the field of scientific research. UK participants play an active role in the EU's Fourth Framework Programme (FP4) for Research and Technological Development which covers a wide range of scientific, technological and medical research. Negotiations concerning the content and organisation of the EU's Fifth Framework Programme, due to start in 1999, have recently begun. The UK has already played, and will continue to play, an active role in the shaping of this future programme, to ensure that UK researchers and technologists have every opportunity to build upon their current, successful levels of participation. Medical research is well provided for in the Commission proposals for FP5, particularly int eh programme "Unlocking the Resources of the Living World", which is specifically aimed at improving the quality of life and for example, includes research: on the control of viral and other infectious diseases; the development of new antibiotics and anti-cancer agents; and the health effects of pollution.

Secondary information