Written question asked by Paul Flynn (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 10 February 1997. It was answered by Ian Taylor (Conservative) on Monday, 10 February 1997 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: What assessment he has made of the (a) financing and (b) progress of nanotechnology research in (i) the United Kingdom, (ii) Japan, (iii) the USA, (iv) Germany and (v) other countries. - Ref to Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology's report "Making it in Miniature" (in Library). (Holding answer 7 February 1997).

Answer: Mr. Flynn: To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment he has made of the (a) financing and (b) progress of nanotechnology research in (i) the United Kingdom, (ii) Japan, (iii) the USA, (iv) Germany and (v) other countries; and if he will make a statement. [14970] Mr. Taylor: [holding answer 7 February 1997]: Two studies were conducted by the National Physical Laboratory for the DTI in 1986, and lead to the formation of the national initiative on nanotechnology, which stimulated research in the field. The current position on nanotechnology research is concisely summarised in section 3 of the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology's report "Making it in Miniature" of October 1996, which is available to Members in the Library of the House. In the UK, the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council--the major funding body in this sector--is about to review its portfolio of nanotechnology research, and will identify any actions necessary as a result.

Secondary information