Written question asked by Ashok Kumar (Labour) on Thursday, 15 January 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 22 January 1998. It was answered by John Battle (Labour) on Thursday, 22 January 1998 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the President of the Board of Trade, what steps her Department is taking to develop manufacturing activity in the biotechnology sector.

Answer: Dr. Kumar: To ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps her Department is taking to develop manufacturing activity in the biotechnology sector. [24070] Mr. Battle: My Department is committed to getting the climate right for the development of the UK's biotechnology sector. We support a range of research through the Research Councils and technology transfer through, for example, LINK, EUREKA and SMART and specific Biotechnology Challenges to encourage the start-up and growth of new companies. These measures will help sustain the strong science base and catalyse industrial research and development needed to underpin future manufacturing and production in this sector.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 24070; 304 c662W;304 c656W
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Biotechnology Industrial development Manufacturing industries Medicine Technology Research Science