Written question asked by Stephen Hepburn (Labour) on Tuesday, 22 January 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 30 January 2002. It was answered by Brian Wilson (Labour) on Wednesday, 30 January 2002 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 the status is of the Department's research into nanotechnology. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mr. Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the status is of the Department's research into nanotechnology. [30331] Mr. Wilson: The Department has put in place an initiative to establish a national strategy for nanotechnology. An advisory group on nanotechnology, comprising experts from industry and academia and chaired by the Director General of Research Councils, Dr. John Taylor, has been established to advise on the actions needed to ensure that the UK is well positioned to exploit the nanotechnology revolution. A report commissioned by the advisory group on the opportunities for the UK is due to be published in the near future. Copies will be placed in the House Library. The Government are already making a significant investment in nanotechnology research and exploitation. As part of this, DTI is providing £7.2 million over three years to support a University Innovation Centre (UIC) in Microsystems and Nanotechnology in the north-east of England.

Secondary information