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John Battle
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Battle, John (96)
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To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will set out the terms of reference for the Science and Technology Unit to be established within his Department.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will set out the terms of reference for the Science and Technology Unit to be established within his Department.
Asked by
Michael Fabricant
(Conservative)
Answered by
John Battle
(Labour)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
26 March 2001
For answer on
2 April 2001
Answered on
2 April 2001
Mr. Fabricant: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will set out the terms of reference for the
Science and Technology Unit to be established within his Department. [156016]
Mr. Battle: The new Unit will be responsible for supporting wealth-creation in the United Kingdom by the provision of information
about science, engineering and technology developments in key overseas countries to a customer base in UK industry and the research
community; for the FCO input into policy and intergovernmental work in a number of areas related to science, engineering and
technology; and for ensuring that the work of the FCO Science and Technology network is carefully co-ordinated within partner
organisations and promotes the UK as a modern, technologically advanced country in order to encourage R&D collaboration, inward
investment and trade in high-tech sectors.
Subjects
Engineering; Technology; Research; Science; Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Date
2 April 2001
Reference
156016; 366 c54-5W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will include engineering within the title of the Science and Technology Unit to be established in his Department.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will include engineering within the title of the Science and Technology Unit to be established in his Department.
Asked by
Michael Fabricant
(Conservative)
Answered by
John Battle
(Labour)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
26 March 2001
For answer on
2 April 2001
Answered on
2 April 2001
Mr. Fabricant: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will include engineering within the title of
the Science and Technology Unit to be established in his Department. [156017]
Mr. Battle: The remit of the Science and Technology Unit will include responsibility for supporting the international science,
engineering and technology (SET) activities of the UK research community and industry. It will work closely with other Government
Departments and external organisations, including the engineering institutes and university engineering departments. Its designation
as Science and Technology Unit covers all aspects of SET, by analogy with the designation of the Office of Science and Technology.
Subjects
Engineering; Technology; Research; Science; Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Date
2 April 2001
Reference
156017; 366 c54W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what plans he has to increase the resources his Department devotes to international science and technology work. - Inc figure.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what plans he has to increase the resources his Department devotes to international science and technology work. - Inc figure.
Asked by
Frank Roy
(Labour)
Answered by
John Battle
(Labour)
Answering body
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
6 March 2001
For answer on
7 March 2001
Answered on
7 March 2001
Mr. Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to increase the resources his
Department devotes to international science and technology work. [152947]
Mr. Battle: As part of their contribution to the Government's competitiveness agenda, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office funds and
manages a Science and Technology Network currently based in 10 countries. As a result of the 2000 Spending Review they can now
allocated an additional £3 million to Science and Technology work over the next three Financial Years (2001-04). This will mean
doubling the number of countries in which our diplomatic posts have specialist Science and Technology staff, and the creation of a
dedicated Science and Technology Unit in the FCO.
Subjects
Diplomatic service; ICT; Expenditure; Science; Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Date
7 March 2001
Reference
152947; 364 c236W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what contribution the Office of Science and Technology plans to make to exhibitions at the Millennium Dome.
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what contribution the Office of Science and Technology plans to make to exhibitions at the Millennium Dome.
Asked by
Alan W Williams
(Labour)
Answered by
John Battle
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Trade and Industry
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
8 July 1999
For answer on
26 July 1999
Answered on
26 July 1999
Mr. Alan W. Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what contribution the Office of Science and Technology
plans to make to exhibitions at the Millennium Dome. [91148]
Mr. Battle: The prime responsibility for exhibitions at the Millennium Dome rests with the New Millennium Experience Company.
However, officials from the Department of Trade and Industry and the Office of Science and Technology have had several discussions
with the New Millennium Experience Company about ideas and source material for exhibits which promote greater public understanding
of science, engineering and technology and its key role in shaping the world of the 21{st} century. These have covered such areas as
sustainable development, bio-engineering and future transport technology.
Subjects
Engineering; Technology; Science; Office of Science and Technology; Millennium exhibition
Date
26 July 1999
Reference
91148; 336 c86-7W
House
House of Commons
Statement on how much the Government is investing in science; and if the information is publicly available. - Inc figures and ref to fact that copies of Forward Look of Government-funded Science, Engineering and Technology published today, in Library.
Statement on how much the Government is investing in science; and if the information is publicly available. - Inc figures and ref to fact that copies of Forward Look of Government-funded Science, Engineering and Technology published today, in Library.
Asked by
Jim Dobbin
(Labour; Co-operative Party)
Answered by
John Battle
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Trade and Industry
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
28 June 1999
For answer on
29 June 1999
Answered on
29 June 1999
Mr. Dobbin: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much the Government are investing in science; and if the
information is publicly available. [89293]
Mr. Battle: My noble Friend Lord Sainsbury is today publishing the Forward Look of Government-funded Science, Engineering and
Technology which sets out the Government's spending plans. We see science as a major priority and a key driver for wealth creation,
employment and an improved quality of life both in this country and overseas. We will be investing over £20 billion in this area
over the next three years--a real terms increase of £1.8 billion--representing a level of investment higher in real terms than at
any time over this decade. Copies have been placed in the Libraries of the House.
Subjects
Central government; Finance; Investment; Science
Date
29 June 1999
Reference
334 c90W; 89293
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, if he will make a statement on departmental policy in response to the European Commission's proposals under the Gender and Science Watch System. - Inc ref to European Commission Communication "Women and science - Mobilising women to enrich scientific research".
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, if he will make a statement on departmental policy in response to the European Commission's proposals under the Gender and Science Watch System. - Inc ref to European Commission Communication "Women and science - Mobilising women to enrich scientific research".
Asked by
Richard Body
(Conservative)
Answered by
John Battle
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Trade and Industry
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
16 June 1999
For answer on
29 June 1999
Answered on
29 June 1999
Sir Richard Body: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on departmental policy in
response to the European Commission's proposals under the Gender and Science Watch System. [87679]
Mr. Battle: The Government support the aims of the recent European Commission Communication "Women and science--Mobilising women to
enrich scientific research", which includes a description of its activities known as the Gender and Science Watch System. The
Commission's approach is consistent with the Government's policies to increase the participation of women in science and complements
the initiatives already being taken in the UK, for example The Promoting SET (Science, Engineering and Technology) for Women Unit,
located in the Office of Science and Technology at the Department of Trade and Industry.
Subjects
Women; EU action; Science; Women's Unit
Date
29 June 1999
Reference
334 c87W; 87679
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, when the Government is preparing to implement the recommendation of the report of the Foresight Process Industry Group-Processing the Future.
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, when the Government is preparing to implement the recommendation of the report of the Foresight Process Industry Group-Processing the Future.
Asked by
Ashok Kumar
(Labour)
Answered by
John Battle
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Trade and Industry
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
14 June 1999
For answer on
28 June 1999
Answered on
28 June 1999
Dr. Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the Government are preparing to implement the recommendation of
the report of the Foresight Process Industry Group, "Processing the Future". [87266]
Mr. Battle: The Process Industry Group has made a valuable contribution to the Foresight programme. We welcome their "Processing the
Future" report. We are pleased that they are willing to develop their ideas in the second round of Foresight. These will be of
special interest to the new Manufacturing 2020 and Chemicals Foresight Panels.
The Government emphasised the importance which it attaches to multi-disciplinary research and closer joint working between the
Research Councils in allocating the Science Budget last autumn. The Research Councils are implementing these policies, and are
taking account of the report's recommendations in their planning.
As the process industries are so diverse, there is a wide range of innovation initiatives supported by Government and the Research
Councils. For example, 21 per cent. of the Engineering and Physical Science Research Council's research grant support is of
relevance to process industries. EPSRC also have a number of joint activities in the process industries with other Research
Councils. These include the process industries sector of the Innovative Manufacturing Initiative (EPSRC with the Biotechnology and
Biological Science Research Council), Biomolecular Science (BBSRC) and a Medical Engineering LINK programme (EPSRC, BBSRC and the
Medical Research Council). In the chemicals sector (perhaps the biggest process industry), DTI and EPSRC support initiatives on
process plant instrumentation, catalysis, polymer processing and colloid technology.
Since the publication of the report, we have engaged trade associations from across the processing industries in discussions on the
implications of the report. PIG members have made presentations to various learned societies and industrial sectors. As they refine
their ideas within the Foresight agenda, we will play close attention to developments.
Subjects
Finance; Innovation; Technology; Research; Science; Foresight; Foresight Process Industry Group
Date
28 June 1999
Reference
334 c39-40W; 87266
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, which companies the Minister for Science visited during his most recent visit to the USA; and what was discussed. - Inc ref to fact that copy of DTI Press Notice (P/99/45) in Library.
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, which companies the Minister for Science visited during his most recent visit to the USA; and what was discussed. - Inc ref to fact that copy of DTI Press Notice (P/99/45) in Library.
Asked by
Lord Redwood
(Conservative)
Answered by
John Battle
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Trade and Industry
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
10 June 1999
For answer on
17 June 1999
Answered on
17 June 1999
Mr. Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which companies the Minister for Science visited during his most
recent visit to the USA; and what was discussed. [87034]
Mr. Battle: My noble Friend, Lord Sainsbury, visited Boston on 8-10 June as part of a fact-finding mission to examine the growth of
biotechnology clusters and how Britain can improve its competitive position.
Details of all the organisations visited by my noble Friend and the accompanying team of leading business people and academics were
set out in a DTI Press Notice of 8 June (P/99/45) which was sent to the right hon. Member. A copy of the DTI Press Notice was also
provided automatically to the Library of the House.
Subjects
Department of Trade and Industry; Ministers; Science; USA; Visits abroad
Date
17 June 1999
Reference
87034; 333 c207W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what was the outcome of the Research Council held in Brussels on 20th May; and if he will make a statement.
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what was the outcome of the Research Council held in Brussels on 20th May; and if he will make a statement.
Asked by
Bill Rammell
(Labour)
Answered by
John Battle
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Trade and Industry
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
20 May 1999
For answer on
9 June 1999
Answered on
9 June 1999
Mr. Rammell: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the outcome of the Research Council held in Brussels on
20 May; and if he will make a statement. [85358]
Mr. Battle: The Research Council of 20 May:
1. Agreed decisions on the association of applicant countries (CCEE and Cyprus) with the Fifth Framework programme for European
Research and Technological Development.
2. Adopted a resolution on "Women and Science: Mobilising women to enrich European research".
3. Received information from the Commission on the competitiveness of European enterprises in the face of globalisation and on its
views on the decommissioning of the Joint Research Centre's obsolete nuclear facilities, and from the Presidency on scientific and
technical co-operation with the Mediterranean partner countries.
After the formal council meeting, the Presidency held informal discussions, in which Ministers were joined by invited experts, on
issues concerning future European research policy.
Subjects
Cyprus; Women; EU action; Research; Science; Trade competitiveness; EC Research Council
Date
9 June 1999
Reference
85358; 332 c342W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what plans he has made for a British delegation to the World Science Congress in Budapest.
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what plans he has made for a British delegation to the World Science Congress in Budapest.
Asked by
Ian Gibson
(Labour)
Answered by
John Battle
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Trade and Industry
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
20 May 1999
For answer on
8 June 1999
Answered on
8 June 1999
Dr. Gibson: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has made for a British delegation to the World
Science Congress in Budapest. [85305]
Mr. Battle: The exact composition of the UK delegation will be determined soon. It is likely to comprise representatives from the
Office of Science and Technology, the Department for International Development, the United Kingdom's Permanent Delegation to UNESCO
and the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology. It is hoped that other non-governmental organisations will also be
represented.
The Government's Chief Scientific Adviser, Sir Robert May, is giving one of the main presentations during the first, scientific,
section of the Conference, and my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Development will make a
statement on behalf of the Government during the plenary debate in the final section of the Conference.
Subjects
Hungary; Conferences; Science
Date
8 June 1999
Reference
332 c233W; 85305
House
House of Commons
Answered by
John Battle
(Labour)
Asked by
Nick Palmer
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Trade and Industry
Type
Oral answers to questions
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, If he will review ways to stimulate the creation of new companies in science parks around universities with the participation of university staff.
Subjects
Universities; Small businesses; Technology; Research; Science; Science parks
Date
6 May 1999
Reference
330 c1083-4
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, If he will review ways to stimulate the creation of new companies in science parks around universities with the participation of university staff.
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, If he will review ways to stimulate the creation of new companies in science parks around universities with the participation of university staff.
Asked by
Nick Palmer
(Labour)
Answered by
John Battle
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Trade and Industry
Oral questions - Lead
Status
Answered
Tabled on
22 April 1999
For answer on
6 May 1999
Answered on
6 May 1999
Subjects
Universities; Small businesses; Technology; Research; Science; Science parks
Date
6 May 1999
Reference
330 c1083-4; 82373
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what plans he has to reduce uncertainty among scientists about the rules for submission and resubmission of applications for the Wellcome Trust funds from the Joint Infrastructure Fund.
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what plans he has to reduce uncertainty among scientists about the rules for submission and resubmission of applications for the Wellcome Trust funds from the Joint Infrastructure Fund.
Asked by
Tam Dalyell
(Labour)
Answered by
John Battle
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Trade and Industry
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
31 March 1999
For answer on
19 April 1999
Answered on
19 April 1999
Mr. Dalyell: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to reduce uncertainty among scientists about the
rules for submission and resubmission of applications for the Wellcome Trust funds from the Joint Infrastructure Fund. [80162]
Mr. Battle: Comprehensive information and details of how to submit applications to the Joint Infrastructure Fund are available from
the Wellcome Trust in respect of the biomedical and biological sciences, and the relevant Research Councils in respect of all other
areas of science and engineering. Any specific inquiries which universities may have about the Fund should be directed to them.
The Trust and Research Councils will accept submissions at any time up to a final deadline of 30 April 2000 for new buildings and
refurbishment and 10 October 2000 for applications for equipment. Resubmissions are allowed only if expressly invited by the Joint
Executive Committee of the Joint Infrastructure Fund, but this would be only under the most exceptional circumstances and is
expected to be a very rare occurrence.
Subjects
Grants; Science; Research councils; Wellcome Trust
Date
19 April 1999
Reference
329 c450W; 80162
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, if he will list the centres of enterprise to be endowed under the science enterprise challenge scheme.
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, if he will list the centres of enterprise to be endowed under the science enterprise challenge scheme.
Asked by
Nick Gibb
(Conservative)
Answered by
John Battle
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Trade and Industry
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
13 April 1999
For answer on
19 April 1999
Answered on
19 April 1999
Mr. Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the centres of enterprise to be endowed under the
science enterprise challenge scheme. [80813]
Mr. Battle: The Science Enterprise Challenge competition is still in progress so it is not possible to list the centres at this
point. The competition is in two stages. Stage 1 bids were due in on 14 April and the finalists to go onto stage 2 will be announced
on 10 May. The winners will be announced this summer.
Subjects
Innovation; Grants; Technology; Science; New businesses
Date
19 April 1999
Reference
329 c452W;329 c453-4W; 80813
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, if he will list the bids for the £50 million university challenge scheme referred to in paragraph 3.59 of the Red Book. - Includes figures and table.
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, if he will list the bids for the £50 million university challenge scheme referred to in paragraph 3.59 of the Red Book. - Includes figures and table.
Asked by
Nick Gibb
(Conservative)
Answered by
John Battle
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Trade and Industry
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
13 April 1999
For answer on
19 April 1999
Answered on
19 April 1999
Mr. Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the bids for the £50 million university challenge
scheme referred to in paragraph 3.59 of the Red Book. [80814]
Mr. Battle: The 15 winners of the £45 million University Challenge competition, run jointly by Government, Wellcome Trust and the
Gatsby Foundation, were announced on 10 March 1999. They are:
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
University £ million
University of Leeds/University of Sheffield/University of York 4.5
(White Rose Consortium)
University of Manchester/UMIST 4.5
University of Bath/University of Bristol 3.75
University of Birmingham/University of Warwick 3
University of Cambridge/The Babraham Institute 3
University of Cardiff/University of Wales College of Medicine 3
Imperial College, London 3
King's College London/Queen Mary and Westfield College London 3
London Business School/King's College London/Queen Mary and 3
Westfield College/University College London
University of Oxford 3
University of Strathclyde/University of Glasgow 3
University College London/Institute of Cancer Research/Cancer 3
Research Campaign Technologies Ltd./School of Pharmacy
London/Imperial Cancer Research Fund/Royal Veterinary College
University of Edinburgh/The Moredun Foundation/The Roslin 2.25
Biotechnology Centre/The UK Astronomy Technology Centre of
PPARC/Edinburgh Station of the British Geological Survey
Queen's University Belfast/University of Ulster 2
University of Aberystwyth/The Institute of Grassland and 1
Environmental Research (IGER)
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
It is inappropriate to publish a list of all the original 45 bids as they were provided in confidence.
Subjects
Finance; Universities; Research; Science; Wellcome Trust; Gatsby Charitable Foundation
Date
19 April 1999
Reference
80814; 329 c453-4W;329 c454W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, What representations he has received from business leaders on the measures announced in the Budget to encourage research and development. (Failed OPQ). - Includes figures and ref to consultation document 'Innovating for the Future: investing in R and D', Competitiveness...
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, What representations he has received from business leaders on the measures announced in the Budget to encourage research and development. (Failed OPQ). - Includes figures and ref to consultation document 'Innovating for the Future: investing in R and D', Competitiveness...
Asked by
Andrew Bennett
(Labour)
Answered by
John Battle
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Trade and Industry
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
11 March 1999
For answer on
25 March 1999
Answered on
25 March 1999
Mr. Bennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received from business leaders on the
measures announced in the Budget to encourage research and development. [77057]
Mr. Battle: The Government recognise the important role which research and development (R&D) plays in a modern knowledge-driven
economy. This was the theme of the consultation document published jointly by HM Treasury and DTI on Budget Day 1998 entitled
"Innovating for the Future : investing in R&D".
The findings from this review have already influenced both the planning for future Budgets and the Government's Competitiveness
White Paper "Our Competitive Future-- Building the Knowledge Driven Economy" published last December and its follow-up
Implementation Plan (published by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on 10 March).
The Budget announcements on 9 March included details of the Government's intention to introduce a research and development tax
credit for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the 2000 Budget. The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry announced on 10
March the publication of the Inland Revenue's technical paper to consult further with business on the detail of this measure. This
represents a key output from the Innovating for the Future consultation which, in addition to the tax treatment of R&D, considered a
range of questions looking at how best to remove barriers to innovation.
Around 200 representations were received. Of those commenting specifically on questions relating to tax credits, respondents can be
divided into five main types: companies; business organisations; professional and union bodies; accountant and tax firms; and
academic institutions. Individual companies gave a mixed view on tax credits from those firmly in support to those who felt such a
measure might be less effective. The main business organisations also provided a variety of opinion with the CBI, for example,
arguing that the feasibility of a targeted credit for SMEs should be assessed; the CBI reaffirmed their support for a specific SME
measure in their Budget submission earlier this year. Professional and union bodies were almost totally in favour of tax credits (as
were the majority of academic institutions) although the main accountancy, insurance and tax firms generally provided a more
cautious response; a number advocating further analysis before any measures might be introduced.
A main theme to emerge from the consultation was the concern that any R&D investment measure introduced should also provide
assistance to the most cash- constrained small companies in their start-up and early stages, when they are "tax exhausted" and would
not immediately benefit from extra allowances to reduce their corporation tax. This message was also emphasised by the Williams
Group's report to the Treasury (November 1998) analysing barriers to growth faced by high-tech small firms. In the light of these
views, and the Government's own research and analysis, the Government announced at the Budget their intention to introduce a
comprehensive R&D tax credit for SMEs, which would also involve a payable element for companies not yet in taxable profit.
In addition, to this key measure other important outputs from the Innovating for the Future consultation are as follows.
Intellectual Property Establishing a rational and less complex system for the taxation of intellectual property (IP) was an
important conclusion to emerge from many respondents. IP is one of the key outputs of firms' innovation and R&D investment. The 1998
Pre-Budget Report therefore announced that the Government would consult, by the 2000 Budget, on two possible measures to reduce tax
compliance costs and distortions on business decisions affecting IP transactions:
moving towards a simpler system of IP taxation, essentially following the accounting treatment for relieving expenditure on IP
purchases and taxing proceeds; and;
simplifying the taxation of royalty payments which accrue to the owners of intellectual property rights. In addition, the
Competitiveness White Paper set out details of the Government's Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) action plan. This focuses on
making the IPR system more affordable and accessible including a review of the impact of fees charged by the UK Patent Office. Work
will also be taken forward to ensure the system is better able to keep pace with developments in new technology by, for example,
agreeing EC Directives on copyright in the information society and stronger protection for software-related inventions. The action
plan would also involve reform of the civil law system for IPR litigation; a push for an EC patent which is affordable and easy to
enforce and work to ensure that EU harmonisation of "second tier" or "petty patents" benefits UK firms, particularly small
companies.
Accounting Treatment The consultation also highlighted the importance of measuring and reporting the value of innovation and
intangible assets if firms are to manage their R&D activities effectively. The Government encourage companies to use the framework
provided by current accounting standards as a means to inform their own R&D investment decisions and to disseminate information
about their R&D activities to the market as a whole. As announced in the Competitiveness White Paper, the Government have therefore
asked the Accounting Standards Board, in consultation with others, to take a fresh look at this issue. DTI will also be launching a
best practice programme to identify and disseminate best practice for companies of all sizes in assessing the strengths and
weaknesses of their intangible assets.
Science Exploitation, Management and Finance
The Competitiveness White Paper and recently published Implementation Plan include a range of new and reinforced measures to promote
competitiveness within the knowledge driven economy. This included a particular focus on creating and exploiting knowledge and many
have a strong resonance with the comments received on the Innovating for the Future consultation. For example:
the doubling of DTI funding for the popular TCS (Teaching Company Scheme);
funding for a national network of Faraday Centres to bring together businesses, scientists and engineers to commercialise research;
a significant extension of the Smart scheme to help more small manufacturing firms to turn their innovative ideas into commercial
reality;
the further development of the University Challenge Fund (the Chancellor's Budget Statement included an extra £15 million) and the
establishment of a £25 million Science Enterprise Challenge (announced in the Pre-Budget Report) to establish up to eight new
enterprise centres in universities to promote business skills and the commercialisation of research;
a national Venture Capital Challenge Fund to help provide, in partnership with private sector funding, risk capital to early stage
high technology companies;
Enterprise Management Incentives (EMIs) to allow smaller, higher-risk companies recruit and retain talented managers;
new measures for corporate venturing, which look at tax incentives to encourage firms to invest in and become involved with small,
high risk companies.
Copies of responses to the Innovating for the Future
consultation have been placed in the Libraries of the House.
Subjects
Business; Innovation; Intellectual property; Small businesses; Taxation; Technology; Research; Science; Budget March 1999
Date
25 March 1999
Reference
77057; 328 c351-3W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what projects in university science, supported by his Department's funding, will lead to the ownership of intellectual property by (a) the Wellcome Trust or (b) the Gatsby Foundation. - (Holding answer 11 March 1999).
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what projects in university science, supported by his Department's funding, will lead to the ownership of intellectual property by (a) the Wellcome Trust or (b) the Gatsby Foundation. - (Holding answer 11 March 1999).
Asked by
Lord Lansley
(Conservative)
Answered by
John Battle
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Trade and Industry
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
8 March 1999
For answer on
19 March 1999
Answered on
19 March 1999
Mr. Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what projects in university science, supported by his Department's
funding, will lead to the ownership of intellectual property by (a) the Wellcome Trust or (b) the Gatsby Foundation. [76071]
Mr. Battle: [holding answer 11 March 1999]: None.
Subjects
Finance; Intellectual property; Universities; Technology; Science; Wellcome Trust; Gatsby Charitable Foundation
Date
19 March 1999
Reference
76071; 327 c878W;327 c876W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what contributions he expects to be made to the Government's Science policy initiatives by (a) the Wellcome Trust and (b) the Gatsby Foundation. - Inc figs and ref to 10 March 1999, 327 c261-2W.
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what contributions he expects to be made to the Government's Science policy initiatives by (a) the Wellcome Trust and (b) the Gatsby Foundation. - Inc figs and ref to 10 March 1999, 327 c261-2W.
Asked by
Lord Lansley
(Conservative)
Answered by
John Battle
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Trade and Industry
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
8 March 1999
For answer on
12 March 1999
Answered on
12 March 1999
Mr. Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what contributions he expects to be made to the Government's
science policy initiatives by (a) the Wellcome Trust and (b) the Gatsby Foundation. [76072]
Mr. Battle: [holding answer 11 March 1999]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Luton, South
(Ms Moran) on 10 March 1999, Official Report, columns 261-62. The Wellcome Trust is contributing some £18 million and the Gatsby
Charitable Foundation £2 million towards the University Challenge Fund. Both organisations have contributed to the arrangements for
the Challenge and to the assessment of the entries.
In addition, the Wellcome Trust is contributing £300 million towards the Joint Infrastructure Fund and some £110 million towards the
cost of a new synchrotron.
Subjects
Finance; Investment; Private sector; Universities; Research; Science; Wellcome Trust; Gatsby Charitable Foundation
Date
12 March 1999
Reference
76072; 327 c408W
House
House of Commons
Answered by
John Battle
(Labour)
Asked by
Ian Stewart
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Trade and Industry
Type
Oral answers to questions
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, What plans he has to increase the budget for research in the physical sciences.
Subjects
Finance; Engineering; Research; Science
Date
25 February 1999
Reference
326 c526-7
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, What plans he has for encouraging young people to enter careers in science and engineering. (Failed OPQ). - Inc figs.
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, What plans he has for encouraging young people to enter careers in science and engineering. (Failed OPQ). - Inc figs.
Asked by
James Plaskitt
(Labour)
Answered by
John Battle
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Trade and Industry
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
11 February 1999
For answer on
25 February 1999
Answered on
25 February 1999
Mr. Plaskitt: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has for encouraging young people to enter careers
in science and engineering. [71610]
Mr. Battle: The Government have developed and supported a wide range of initiatives: The Public Understanding of Science,
Engineering and Technology programme, to raise general awareness of these subjects. A unit dedicated to Promoting SET for Women. I
recently announced £1.5 million support for the promotion of engineering, with £425,000 p.a. allocated to Quinco, the engineering
community's new five year campaign. We continue to support SETNET which aims to ensure that information on promotional schemes for
school children to consider careers in science, engineering and mathematics is accessible to teachers and potential industrial
sponsors.
Subjects
Women; Employment; Engineering; Young people; Technology; Science; Setnet; Campaign to Promote Engineering
Date
25 February 1999
Reference
71610; 326 c371W
House
House of Commons