Written question asked by Hugh Bayley (Labour) on Wednesday, 25 November 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 3 December 1998. It was answered by Lord Mandelson (Labour) on Thursday, 3 December 1998 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, What steps he is taking to ensure that British scientific research contributes to economic prosperity. (Failed OPQ). - Inc figures.

Answer: Mr. Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to ensure that British scientific research contributes to economic prosperity. [61312] Mr. Mandelson: The development and commercial exploitation of scientific research is fundamental to a prosperous knowledge-driven economy. Important steps have already been taken such as: £1.4 billion additional funding for science; the launch earlier this year of University challenge to help universities turn good research into good business; measures to promote collaborative partnerships such as LINK; the creation, of a £25 million Science Enterprise Challenge announced in my right hon. Friend's the Chancellors Pre-Budget Statement. My forthcoming Competitiveness White Paper will address this important issue and build on these measures.

Secondary information