Written question asked by Phyllis Starkey (Labour) on Thursday, 30 July 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 29 October 1998. It was answered by Lord Mandelson (Labour) on Thursday, 29 October 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 assessment he has made of the contribution of the science base to the UK economy as a whole. (Failed OPQ).

Answer: Dr. Starkey: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the contribution of the science base to the UK economy as a whole. [55067] Mr. Mandelson: The strength of Britain's science base is absolutely fundamental to the success of the UK economy. I plan to publish soon a Competitiveness White Paper which will demonstrate how the use and application of science is helping companies meet the challenges of the knowledge driven economy. The UK's future success depends crucially on a partnership between the science base and the commercial sector. Most importantly, it depends on the well-trained, skilled people produced by and working in our scientific centres.

Secondary information