1-20 of 80 results for subject:Technology
Librarians' tools
- Search time
- 0.268 seconds
- Solr query time
- 0.006 seconds
- Search query
- subject:Technology
- We searched for
- subject_t:Technology OR subject_t:"Applied science" OR subject_t:"High technology" OR subject_ses:93220
Answering member
X
Patricia Hewitt
Type
House
Session
Year
Department
Member
More
Primary member
More
Answering member
More
Hewitt, Patricia (80)
Legislative stage
Legislation
Subject
More
Publisher
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what constraints apply to the requirement to promote scientific and technological advance as set out in Article 1-3(3) of the proposed EU Constitution.
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what constraints apply to the requirement to promote scientific and technological advance as set out in Article 1-3(3) of the proposed EU Constitution.
Asked by
Lord Brady of Altrincham
(Conservative)
Answered by
Patricia Hewitt
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Trade and Industry
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
10 January 2005
For answer on
27 January 2005
Answered on
27 January 2005
Mr. Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what constraints apply to the requirement to promote scientific and
technological advance as set out in Article 1-3(3) of the proposed EU Constitution. [208252]
Ms Hewitt: The detailed provisions relating to this objective are contained in Articles III-248-255 of the Treaty. These largely
reflect the existing EC competence in this area, with the addition of an explicit reference to space policy. The Article's set out
the European Union's aim to achieve a European Research Area, improve the EU's competitiveness in science and technology and ensure
EU policies are properly supported by research. They also outline a list of activities to support these aims. As with the rest of
the Treaty, any action in this area is also subject to the application of the principles of proportionality and subsidiarity. In
addition, any action would be subject to the constraints of the EU budget.
Subjects
European Constitution Treaty; Technology; Research; Science
Date
27 January 2005
Reference
208252; 430 c532W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what plans she has for future investment in the Faraday partnerships.
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what plans she has for future investment in the Faraday partnerships.
Asked by
Geoffrey Clifton-Brown
(Conservative)
Answered by
Patricia Hewitt
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Trade and Industry
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
1 December 2004
For answer on
8 December 2004
Answered on
8 December 2004
Mr. Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has for future investment in the Faraday
Partnerships. [202581]
Ms Hewitt: Under the guidance of the newly appointed Technology Strategy Board, my Department is now preparing a call for Knowledge
Transfer Networks in specific technologies. These Networks are a new product based upon the example and success of the 24 Faraday
Partnerships and will provide what we believe to be an excellent opportunity for relevant Faraday Partnerships to bid for
continuing, or even increased, DTI support.
Subjects
Finance; Innovation; Technology; Research; Faraday partnership scheme
Date
8 December 2004
Reference
202581; 428 c592W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what representations she has received on the use of iTrips and similar such devices; and if she will make a statement. - I am not aware of any representations about the use of iTrips or similar devices.
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what representations she has received on the use of iTrips and similar such devices; and if she will make a statement. - I am not aware of any representations about the use of iTrips or similar devices.
Asked by
Lord Foster of Bath
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Patricia Hewitt
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Trade and Industry
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
8 September 2004
For answer on
4 October 2004
Answered on
4 October 2004
Mr. Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations she has received on the use of iTrips and
similar such devices; and if she will make a statement. [188626]
Ms Hewitt: I am not aware of any representations about the use of iTrips or similar devices.
Subjects
Broadcasting; Music; Radio; Technology
Date
4 October 2004
Reference
424 c1857W;424 c1855W; 188626
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what the latest percentage figures are for the number of women in (a) science, engineering and technology industries and (b) other major sectors; and what the figures were in 1996. - Inc table.
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what the latest percentage figures are for the number of women in (a) science, engineering and technology industries and (b) other major sectors; and what the figures were in 1996. - Inc table.
Asked by
Claire Curtis-Thomas
(Labour)
Answered by
Patricia Hewitt
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Trade and Industry
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
17 June 2004
For answer on
16 July 2004
Answered on
16 July 2004
Mrs. Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the latest percentage figures are for the number of
women in (a) science, engineering and technology industries and (b) other major sectors; and what the figures were in
1996. [180063]
Ms Hewitt: The Labour Force Survey provides estimates of employment levels. Analysis of the Labour Force Survey by occupation
indicates that the percentage of women employees within science, engineering and technology was the same at 15 per cent. in
1996 and 2003. In comparison, women accounted for 49 per cent. of all employees in both 1996 and 2003.
1. SET occupations by sex, 1996
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
Occupation Male Percentage Female Percentage Total
Natural scientists 90,000 73 34,000 27 124,000
Engineers and technologists 433,000 93 34,000 7 467,000
Architects, town planners, 79,000 86 13,000 14 92,000
surveyors
Scientific technicians 188,000 74 66,000 26 254,000
Draughtspersons, surveyors 87,000 94 6,000 6 92,000
etc.
Computer analysts, 146,000 82 32,000 18 178,000
programmers
SET total 1,022,000 85 185,000 15 1,207,000
All employees 11,313,000 51 10,710,000 49 22,023,000
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
Source: Labour Force Survey, Spring 1996, Office for National Statistics (www.statistics.gov.uk).
2. SET occupations by sex, 2003
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
Occupation Male Percentage Female Percentage Total
Science professionals 57,000 53 51,000 47 108,000
Engineering professionals 350,000 95 19,000 5 369,000
Information and 305,000 86 50,000 14 355,000
communication technology
Architects, town planners, 112,000 88 15,000 12 127,000
surveyors
Science and engineering 194,000 82 44,000 18 238,000
technicians
Draughtspersons and 56,000 90 6,000 10 62,000
building inspectors
SET total 1,073,000 85 185,000 15 1,258,000
All employees 12,362,000 51 11,800,000 49 24,162,000
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
Source: Labour Force Survey, Spring 2003, Office for National Statistics (www.statistics.gov.uk).
Subjects
Women; Equality; Engineering; Technology; Science
Date
16 July 2004
Reference
180063; 423 c1382W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what measures her Department has taken to ensure that women in science, engineering and technology are able to return to work after a career break. - Inc figures.
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what measures her Department has taken to ensure that women in science, engineering and technology are able to return to work after a career break. - Inc figures.
Asked by
Claire Curtis-Thomas
(Labour)
Answered by
Patricia Hewitt
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Trade and Industry
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
17 June 2004
For answer on
8 July 2004
Answered on
8 July 2004
Mrs. Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures her Department has taken to ensure that women
in science, engineering and technology are able to return to work after a career break. [180069]
Ms Hewitt: The Government have been looking at the barriers all women face in returning to work following a career break, and has
introduced a range of measures to support those women who wish to return to employment.
This includes the introduction of the National Childcare Strategy in 1998 to provide accessible, affordable and quality child care
for all children, and Government funded schemes to support substantial expansion in child care provision. The Government are also
providing substantial help (approaching £2 million a day) through the tax credit system. In April 2003 the Government
introduced a package of new measures to enable new parents to request flexible working and their employers have a statutory duty to
consider their requests seriously. More recently, I announced that the Government are opening a debate with parents and employers
about the issue of choice in balancing work and family life to hear directly from employers and parents with a view to reviewing the
existing measures in 2006.
For women returning specifically to science, engineering and technology careers, DTI is also making available £500,000 per annum for
the Resource Centre for Women in SET to develop a dedicated returners package. Full details of the package will be published when
the centre is launched on 16 September. This will address both the supply and demand side. The Resource Centre contract
specifies providing a range of services to employers including developing a kite marking or award for gender equality HR practices
(work life balance procedures; returners re-entry schemes; mentoring schemes etc.), employer networking events and good practice
guides.
Subjects
Women; Equality; Engineering; Technology; Science; Career breaks
Date
8 July 2004
Reference
180069; 423 c780W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what percentage of (a) females and (b) males are studying science, engineering and technology based degrees; and if she will make a statement on government initiatives to increase the number of female graduates. - Inc table.
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what percentage of (a) females and (b) males are studying science, engineering and technology based degrees; and if she will make a statement on government initiatives to increase the number of female graduates. - Inc table.
Asked by
Claire Curtis-Thomas
(Labour)
Answered by
Patricia Hewitt
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Trade and Industry
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
17 June 2004
For answer on
6 July 2004
Answered on
6 July 2004
Mrs. Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what percentage of (a) females and (b) males
are studying science, engineering and technology based degrees; and if she will make a statement on government initiatives to
increase the number of female graduates. [180064]
Ms Hewitt: In the following table are some statistics, which show that in some degrees which require Science and Maths A levels such
as medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, more women than men are studying, and becoming qualified in these subjects. However
these statistics also highlight that there is still significant female under-representation in vital SET courses such as the
Physical Sciences, Engineering and IT.
Overall the number of female science, engineering and technology (SET) graduates is increasing. However, only one in every three SET
graduates in 2002 were women.
More men apply for, accept and obtain higher education qualifications in SET and SET-related subjects than women but as the
statistics show, the picture is very different depending on the precise nature of the subject.
The work being done in schools and further education colleges to enthuse young girls to take up these subjects is the beginning of
the process to encourage girls and women to take SET degrees, especially in those areas where there is a definite gender imbalance.
As part of the Government's new strategy1, a new UK Resource Centre for Women in SET aimed at working with employers, professional
bodies and individuals in SET will be launched on 16 September 2004. The Government have allocated £800,000 per annum for
three years to set up and operate the new Centre and an additional £500,000 per annum of the development of a dedicated returners
package. The Resource Centre will hold pump-priming funds that will be used to fund innovative or proven projects, including
£200,000 separately provided by DfES to the Centre for schemes in higher education institutions to put support measures in place
that aid the retention and progression of women science undergraduates into the science labour force.
1 The Government's new strategy is outlined in full in the report published on 28 April 2003: `A Strategy for Women in
Science, Engineering and Technology'.
Percentage of students by subject group, gender, level of study and first-year marker, 2002-03
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
Post-graduates Undergraduates First-year undergraduates
Subject area Female Male Female Male Female Male
Medicine and Dentistry 53 47 57 43 61 39
Subjects allied to 72 28 85 15 86 14
medicine
Biological Sciences 62 38 63 37 62 38
Veterinary Science 54 46 74 26 74 26
Agriculture and related 50 50 59 41 60 40
subjects
Physical Sciences 38 62 41 60 41 59
Mathematical Sciences 35 65 40 60 39 62
Computer Science 26 74 25 75 28 72
Engineering and 18 82 14 86 14 86
Technology
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
Source: HESA
Subjects
Women; Graduates; Gender; Higher education; Engineering; Men; Technology; Science; Student numbers; Postgraduate education
Date
6 July 2004
Reference
180064; 423 c670-2W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what steps she is taking to encourage employers to provide support for women in the science, engineering and technology sector.
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what steps she is taking to encourage employers to provide support for women in the science, engineering and technology sector.
Asked by
Claire Curtis-Thomas
(Labour)
Answered by
Patricia Hewitt
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Trade and Industry
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
17 June 2004
For answer on
1 July 2004
Answered on
1 July 2004
Mrs. Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps she is taking to encourage employers to provide
support for women in the science, engineering and technology sector. [180067]
Ms Hewitt: My Department has awarded a contract to the JIVE Consortium to deliver a new Resource Centre for Women in Science,
Engineering and Technology (SET). The formal launch of the Centre will be at a Conference on 16 September to which
representatives of a wide-range of SET employer organisations, including industry and academia, are being invited. As soon as the
Centre has been launched, these employers will be invited to seek direct, tailored advice, provided by specialised consultants about
the best ways in which they can support women working in their organisations and tackle the barriers which cause women not to reach
their full potential. Also many of the services to be delivered under this contract, including publishing good practice case
studies, will be delivered online. The new website, being launched on 2 July, will have a section dedicated to such case
studies. The Government has allocated £800,000 per annum for three years to set up and operate the new Centre and an additional
£500,00 per annum for the development of a dedicated returners package.
Subjects
Advisory services; Women; Equality; Finance; ICT; Engineering; Technology; Science
Date
1 July 2004
Reference
180067; 423 c397W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what measures her Department has put in place to (a) provide advice and (b) share best practice with employers with respect to increasing the number of women in science, engineering and technology. - Inc figures.
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what measures her Department has put in place to (a) provide advice and (b) share best practice with employers with respect to increasing the number of women in science, engineering and technology. - Inc figures.
Asked by
Claire Curtis-Thomas
(Labour)
Answered by
Patricia Hewitt
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Trade and Industry
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
17 June 2004
For answer on
1 July 2004
Answered on
1 July 2004
Mrs. Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures her Department has put in place to
(a) provide advice and (b) share best practice with employers with respect to increasing the number of women in
science, engineering and technology. [180065]
Ms Hewitt: My Department has awarded a contract to the JIVE Consortium to deliver a new Resource Centre for Women in Science,
Engineering and Technology. Many of the services to be delivered under this contract, including advice and information on good
employment practice for women in SET occupations, will be available online and the new website is being launched on 2 July.
Other services, including direct contact with employers to discuss how the Resource Centre can work with them to share best practice
and provide them with relevant, tailored advice, will commence after the formal launch of the Centre on 16 September. The
Government have allocated £800,000 per annum for three years to set up and operate the new Centre and an additional £500,000 per
annum for development of a dedicated returners package.
Subjects
Advisory services; Women; Equality; Finance; ICT; Engineering; Technology; Science
Date
1 July 2004
Reference
180065; 423 c396-7W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what measures her Department has taken to raise the profile of women in science, engineering and technology. - Inc figures.
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what measures her Department has taken to raise the profile of women in science, engineering and technology. - Inc figures.
Asked by
Claire Curtis-Thomas
(Labour)
Answered by
Patricia Hewitt
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Trade and Industry
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
17 June 2004
For answer on
1 July 2004
Answered on
1 July 2004
Mrs. Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures her Department has taken to raise the profile
of women in science, engineering and technology. [180066]
Ms Hewitt: My Department has awarded a contract to the JIVE Consortium to deliver a new Resource Centre for Women in Science,
Engineering and Technology (SET). Many of the services to be delivered under this contract, including raising the profile of women
in SET occupations, will be delivered online. The new website, being launched on 2 July, will have a section dedicated to
stories and reports which raise the profile of Women in SET. The contractor has also appointed a dedicated Marketing Officer and is
the process of setting up a high-profile media advisory Group. There will be a pre-launch event, on 9 September, for the new
Resource Centre as part of the BA Festival of Science and a well-publicised formal launch will take the format of a Conference on
16 September. The Government have allocated £800,000 per annum for three years to set up and operate the new Centre and an
additional £500,00 per annum for the development of a dedicated returners package.
Subjects
Advisory services; Women; Equality; Finance; ICT; Engineering; Technology; Science
Date
1 July 2004
Reference
180066; 423 c397W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, if she will make a statement on the work of the Promoting Science, Engineering and Technology for Women Unit in encouraging implementation of the Government's stategy on increasing female participation in science, engineering and technology.
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, if she will make a statement on the work of the Promoting Science, Engineering and Technology for Women Unit in encouraging implementation of the Government's stategy on increasing female participation in science, engineering and technology.
Asked by
Claire Curtis-Thomas
(Labour)
Answered by
Patricia Hewitt
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Trade and Industry
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
17 June 2004
For answer on
1 July 2004
Answered on
1 July 2004
Mrs. Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the work of the Promoting
Science, Engineering and Technology for Women Unit in encouraging implementation of the Government's stategy on increasing female
participation in science, engineering and technology. [180072]
Ms Hewitt: The Government's Strategy for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology sets out a new and enhanced role for the
Promoting Science, Engineering and Technology for Women unit, now renamed the DiverSETy team to reflect its broader focus on all
under-represented groups in SET. Since the publication of the Strategy, the DiverSETy team has been through a tendering process for
the Resource Centre, followed by contract negotiations. A contract with the JIVE consortium was signed in May 2004, and the official
launch will take place on 16 September 2004. The DiverSETy team also facilitated the appointment process of the Independent
Implementation Group which has met twice. The members of this group were announced in January 2004 and the DiverSETy team provides
secretariat support for its meetings. The DiverSETy team is strengthening relationships with relevant policy areas across DTI, other
Government Departments (including their agencies) and the Research Councils to ensure that the representations and participation of
women in SET is considered and incorporated across Government. This includes working towards the Government's target of
40 per cent. female representation on public bodies/policy committees by 2008 on which the DiverSETy team leads. The team is
tasked with ensuring that mainstream science policy does not disadvantage women in SET and therefore scrutinises and comments on OST
and Research Council policy documents to ensure that diversity is mainstreamed. Recently, it has also been working collaboratively
with the DfES and the Treasury on the Skills chapter of the 10 year framework for Science and Innovation to ensure continuity of
effort for girls and women in SET throughout education and employment.
The DiverSETy Team has continued to fund and support the Rosalind Franklin Awards which are administered for us by the Royal Society
and which achieve excellent publicity for the Women in SET agenda.
Subjects
Women; Equality; ICT; Engineering; Technology; Science; Departmental coordination
Date
1 July 2004
Reference
180072; 423 c397-8W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what measures the Department has put in place to ensure the promotion of science, engineering and technology as a career to women in educational establishments; and what indicators are used to measure the success of these schemes.
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what measures the Department has put in place to ensure the promotion of science, engineering and technology as a career to women in educational establishments; and what indicators are used to measure the success of these schemes.
Asked by
Claire Curtis-Thomas
(Labour)
Answered by
Patricia Hewitt
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Trade and Industry
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
17 June 2004
For answer on
30 June 2004
Answered on
30 June 2004
Mrs. Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures the Department has put in place to ensure the
promotion of science, engineering and technology as a career to women in educational establishments; and what indicators are used to
measure the success of these schemes. [180071]
Ms Hewitt: The contract for the new Resource Centre for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) encompasses all SET
occupations including careers in educational establishments. The Resource Centre contractors have established a dedicated HE
Advisory Group and intend to work closely with the Athena project which has already done excellent work in identifying the barriers
to women reaching senior positions in HE occupations and providing good practice advice to employers in this area. Over the first
three years of the contract I would expect to see an encouraging upward trend in the number of women reaching the most senior
positions. However, it is obviously important that my Department and that of Education and Skills work closely on this since there
are issues about getting girls and women to study appropriate subjects at school and university in order that a critical mass in the
HE work force can be achieved. We are working together on this through the 10 year framework for Science and Innovation. DfES has
contributed £200,000 to the Resource Centre to support HEIs to put measures in place that aid retention and progression of female
undergraduates on SET courses into the SET labour force, including: grants to assist HEIs in running mentoring schemes; placements
in industry and research; focused tutor and peer support systems; and work with employers.
Subjects
Career development; Women; Higher education; Educational institutions; Engineering; Technology; Science
Date
30 June 2004
Reference
180071; 423 c275-6W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, when she expects the new resource centre to promote women in science, engineering and technology to begin its work. - Inc figures.
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, when she expects the new resource centre to promote women in science, engineering and technology to begin its work. - Inc figures.
Asked by
Claire Curtis-Thomas
(Labour)
Answered by
Patricia Hewitt
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Trade and Industry
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
17 June 2004
For answer on
28 June 2004
Answered on
28 June 2004
Mrs. Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when she expects the new resource centre to promote women
in science, engineering and technology to begin its work. [180068]
Ms Hewitt: Work has been going on to develop the new Resource Centre, including the recruitment of 12 staff, since January. The
launch of the Centre's website will take place on 2 July 2004 and the formal launch of the Centre is on 16 September
2004. The Government has allocated £800,000 per annum for three years to set up and operate the new Centre and an additional £500,00
per annum for the development of a dedicated returners package.
Subjects
Women; Equality; Finance; Engineering; Technology; Science
Date
28 June 2004
Reference
180068; 423 c46W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what steps her Department is taking to develop a national policy and strategy for science, engineering and technology exploitation.
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what steps her Department is taking to develop a national policy and strategy for science, engineering and technology exploitation.
Asked by
Stephen O'Brien
(Conservative)
Answered by
Patricia Hewitt
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Trade and Industry
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
17 May 2004
For answer on
7 June 2004
Answered on
7 June 2004
Mr. Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps her Department is taking to develop a national
policy and strategy for science, engineering and technology exploitation. [174700]
Ms Hewitt: The recent Innovation Report highlighted the challenge the UK still faces in exploiting its significant science,
engineering and technology achievements. In order to rise to this challenge the DTI are leading in the development of a national
Technology Strategy to stimulate business demand for new and emerging technologies.
The Strategy will identify technology priorities critical to the growth of the UK economy, matching business needs with what science
can achieve. Government and its agencies will use the Strategy to steer investment in UK and European R and D programmes. It will
also inform the future development of wider Government activities, such as innovative public procurement.
The Strategy also sits alongside a national policy to address the gender imbalance in science and technology, which included the
announcement of a £1.5 million support package. Among other initiatives, this has provided a new science resource centre,
officially opening in September 2004, that will encourage female scientists to return to science and more women to pursue successful
scientific careers.
This will complement our existing activities in facilitating the exploitation of the science and engineering base through funding to
support knowledge transfer activities in Higher Education Institutes (the Higher Education Innovation Fund) and Public Sector
Research Establishments (the Public Sector Research Exploitation Fund).
Subjects
Finance; Engineering; Policy; Technology; Research; Science
Date
7 June 2004
Reference
174700; 422 c29-30W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what progress has been made in joint working with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on the promotion of UK science, engineering and technology. - Inc ref to 20 November 2003, 413 c1443W.
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what progress has been made in joint working with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on the promotion of UK science, engineering and technology. - Inc ref to 20 November 2003, 413 c1443W.
Asked by
Barry Sheerman
(Labour; Co-operative Party)
Answered by
Patricia Hewitt
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Trade and Industry
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
2 March 2004
For answer on
22 March 2004
Answered on
22 March 2004
Mr. Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what progress has been made in joint working with the Foreign and
Commonwealth Office on the promotion of UK science, engineering and technology. [159007]
Ms Hewitt: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Middlesborough South and East Cleveland on
20 November 2003, Official Report, column 1443W.
Subsequently, my Department's Innovation Report has been published and I am confident that the measures we have set out in Chapter
7, `Global Links', of the Report will lead to wider co-ordination on the international innovation agenda across Government which
builds on the work already undertaken by the Chief Scientific Adviser's Committee (CSAIC) chaired by the Chief Scientific Adviser,
Sir David King, and the International Science Technology Trade and Investment Committee (ISTTIC) chaired by the UKTI Chief
Executive, Sir Stephen Brown.
The report also identifies specific initiatives, such as `Global Watch', which will be expanded to help raise the international
competitiveness of UK industry and commerce.
Subjects
Engineering; Technology; Science; Departmental coordination; Trade promotion
Date
22 March 2004
Reference
419 c523W;419 c525W; 159007
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, how many new products and processes have been brought to the market place as a result of each of the Faraday partnerships in each year since 2000. - Inc list.
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, how many new products and processes have been brought to the market place as a result of each of the Faraday partnerships in each year since 2000. - Inc list.
Asked by
Stephen O'Brien
(Conservative)
Answered by
Patricia Hewitt
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Trade and Industry
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
27 January 2004
For answer on
12 February 2004
Answered on
12 February 2004
Subjects
Innovation; Technology; Research; Science; Faraday partnership scheme
Date
12 February 2004
Reference
417 c1616-9W; 152039
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what steps are being taken to address the funding gap between public sector support for research and private sector investment in development. - Inc figures and ref to the Government's Innovation Report.
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what steps are being taken to address the funding gap between public sector support for research and private sector investment in development. - Inc figures and ref to the Government's Innovation Report.
Asked by
Stephen O'Brien
(Conservative)
Answered by
Patricia Hewitt
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Trade and Industry
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
27 January 2004
For answer on
9 February 2004
Answered on
9 February 2004
Mr. Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps are being taken to address the funding gap
between public sector support for research and private sector investment in development. [152052]
Ms Hewitt: By 2005-06 the science budget will reach just short of £3 billion, more than double the figure for 1997-8. Moreover, the
Chancellor announced in his speech on 26 January that we will make a long term plan for science funding over the next decade
a central feature of our 2004 spending review. These demonstrate the Government's strong commitment to an excellent science base.
We are pressing forward on a number of fronts to address the funding gap between research and commercial exploitation. Direct
support to universities and public sector research establishments (PSREs) is being provided in the form of proof of concept and seed
corn funding through programmes such as University Challenge, the second round of the Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF) and
the Public Sector Research Exploitation fund. In addition the Government is building up the capability of the research community to
interact with business and investors. The recent Lambert Review of business /HEI interaction found that this investment is already
succeeding.
R&D tax credits provide an incentive for companies to undertake R&D, both when work is subcontracted to higher education
institutions or public sector research bodies and when work is done by the company itself.
The Government's Innovation Report (published in December 2003), describes how the DTI will develop a Technology Strategy with
business, the SET base, other Government Departments, RDAs, and other stakeholders to identify key technologies with future growth
potential. DTI will provide some of the funding and share some of the risks of pulling through technologies in these key areas into
the market. In addition, the Research Councils will make plans for increasing the rate of knowledge transfer and interaction with
business.
Subjects
Finance; Investment; Private sector; Technology; Research; Science; Research and development tax credit
Date
9 February 2004
Reference
417 c1221W; 152052
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what steps are being taken to explore the licensing of new nuclear technologies in the United Kingdom.
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what steps are being taken to explore the licensing of new nuclear technologies in the United Kingdom.
Asked by
Stephen O'Brien
(Conservative)
Answered by
Patricia Hewitt
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Trade and Industry
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
27 January 2004
For answer on
4 February 2004
Answered on
4 February 2004
Mr. Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps are being taken to explore the licensing of new
nuclear technologies in the United Kingdom. [152041]
Ms Hewitt: No steps are being taken by Government. It is for industry to bring forward any applications for a licence under the
provisions of the Nuclear Installations Act 1965.
Subjects
Licensing; Nuclear power; Technology
Date
4 February 2004
Reference
417 c879W; 152041
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, how much the Government has contributed to the funding of the Large Hadron Collider under construction in Switzerland. - Inc figures.
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, how much the Government has contributed to the funding of the Large Hadron Collider under construction in Switzerland. - Inc figures.
Asked by
Stephen O'Brien
(Conservative)
Answered by
Patricia Hewitt
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Trade and Industry
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
27 January 2004
For answer on
2 February 2004
Answered on
2 February 2004
Mr. Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much the Government have contributed to the funding of
the Large Hadron Collider under construction in Switzerland. [152105]
Ms Hewitt: The Government have contributed a total of £361.88 million to CERN's Large Hadron Collider (LHC) project since its
commencement in 1995. The contributions have been made in three ways: (a) Construction of the LHC machine itself via the UK
contribution to CERN (£214.57 million) (b) The UK element of the CERN share of funding for the LHC Detectors
(£67.26 million) (c) UK domestic funding of the LHC Detectors (£80.05 million)
Subjects
Finance; Technology; Research; Science; Switzerland; Nuclear physics; CERN
Date
2 February 2004
Reference
417 c646W; 152105
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what funding has been provided by her Department to finance (a) the UK High Technology Fund, (b) the Quality Mark Scheme, (c) the Inside UK Enterprise Scheme, (d) the Construction Line Programme, (e) the Basic Technologies Programme, (f) the Construction...
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what funding has been provided by her Department to finance (a) the UK High Technology Fund, (b) the Quality Mark Scheme, (c) the Inside UK Enterprise Scheme, (d) the Construction Line Programme, (e) the Basic Technologies Programme, (f) the Construction...
Asked by
Lord Cotter
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Patricia Hewitt
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Trade and Industry
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
15 January 2004
For answer on
30 January 2004
Answered on
30 January 2004
Brian Cotter: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what funding has been provided by her Department to finance (a)
the UK High Technology Fund, (b) the Quality Mark Scheme, (c) the Inside UK Enterprise Scheme, (d) the Construction Line Programme,
(e) the Basic Technologies Programme, (f) the Construction Best Practice Programme and (g) the Foresight Programme in each financial
year since the inception of each; what funding has been allocated to finance each scheme in future financial years; and if she will
estimate the extent to which businesses have benefited from each initiative to date. [149448]
Ms Hewitt: The following table shows the level of funding provided to 2002-03; and, the projected spend in future years.
Expenditure (£ million)
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
UK High Quality Mark Inside UK Construction Basic Construction Foresight
Technology Enterprise Line Technologies Best
Fund Practice2
1998-99 -- -- n/a -- -- n/a 1.4
1999-2000 3.0 -- n/a -- -- n/a 2.8
2000-01 17.0 n/a -- -- n/a 4.8
2001-02 0 1,2 6.7 n/a 0.2 -- 2.1 2.2
2002-03 0 1.2 0.2 -- 2.7 1.0
2003-04 0 2.0 1.2 0 0.6 2.6 1.8
2004-05 0 0 0 0 2.8 0 0
2005-06 0 0 0 0 2.4 0 0
2006-07 0 0 0 0 2.0 0 0
2007-08 0 0 0 0 0.3 0 0
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
1 Combined expenditure 2000-03 2 Funded by former DETR 1998--June 2001 Notes: 1. Some historic expenditure data has been omitted
from this reply due to the disproportionate cost of providing it. 2. Forecast expenditure reflects outstanding legal and contractual
obligations. 3. All figures have been rounded to the nearest £100,000
Benefits to Business
(a) UK High Technology Fund
The UK High Technology fund has stimulated private sector investments of £106.1 million, against a target of £105 million,
significantly increasing the amount of finance available for investment in technology-based businesses.
From the total fund of £126.1million (which includes DTI investment of £20 million), over £123 million of this has, to date, been
committed to nine specialist venture capital funds. These venture capital funds have in turn made investments in over 130
technology-based companies throughout the UK.
(b) Quality Mark
Quality Mark provides a competitive edge for accredited tradespeople by improving the information available to consumers.
(c) Inside UK Enterprise
In the three years to 2002, Inside UK Enterprise helped users to increase sales by around £175 million and increase profit margins
by around £135 million.
(d) Constructionline
Constructionline streamlines procurement procedures and cuts costs by supplying the construction industry and its clients with a
single national pre-qualification scheme.
(e) Basic Technologies
The first projects to be supported by this programme commenced in mid-2003. It is too early to estimate the benefits to businesses.
(f) Construction Best Practice
In 2002, businesses using Construction Best Practice increased profitability by £56 million--28 times the cost of running the
scheme.
Productivity also improved with each user saving an average of 12 days and £3,300. This equates to a total of £8.5 million and
60,000 days saved.
It is currently estimated that in 2003, users increased their profitability by more than £100 million.
(g) Foresight
Between 1994 and 2001 the Foresight Programme helped Government, Research Organisations and Business prepare for the future by
helping to identify potential threats and opportunities over the coming 10 to 20 years. New partnerships have been forged between
business and the science base and across all sectors and disciplines to change the way business and the science base relate to each
other and to the future.
Organisations such as Research Councils, Training Organisations, other Government Departments and education funding bodies used the
results of Foresight to set priorities for the benefit of business.
Subjects
Business; Construction; Finance; Government assistance; Quality control; Standards; Technology; Foresight; Constructionline; UK High Technology Fund; Inside UK Enterprise
Date
30 January 2004
Reference
417 c594-6W; 149448
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, if she will break down how innovation funding in the areas of (a) industrial exploitation of science, (b) support for competitiveness, (c) space, (d) technical and design infrastructure, (e) support for construction industry, (f) expert advice and other expenditure and...
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, if she will break down how innovation funding in the areas of (a) industrial exploitation of science, (b) support for competitiveness, (c) space, (d) technical and design infrastructure, (e) support for construction industry, (f) expert advice and other expenditure and...
Asked by
Lord Bruce of Bennachie
(Liberal Democrat)
Answered by
Patricia Hewitt
(Labour)
Answering body
Department of Trade and Industry
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
9 January 2004
For answer on
28 January 2004
Answered on
28 January 2004
Malcolm Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will break down how innovation funding in the areas of
(a) industrial exploitation of science, (b) support for competitiveness, (c) space, (d) technical and design infrastructure, (e)
support for construction industry, (f) expert advice and other expenditure and (g) invest to save projects, as set out in her
departmental report 2003, was allocated in 2003-04; and what amounts were allocated in each year since 1997. [147804]
Ms Hewitt: Successive departmental reports have provided breakdowns and explanations of my Department's innovation expenditure,
including on Space and Civil Aerospace Research and Development (`CARAD'), before and since the change in the innovation budget
structure in 2001-02.
The following table is based on information published in the 1999 and subsequent departmental reports, where more details and
explanation can be found. It includes expenditure on `Support of the construction industry' under `Industrial Exploitation of
Science' and `Support for Competitiveness' from 2002-03 (following a machinery of government transfer of responsibility in 2001) and
on the Invest to Save Budget funded biotechnology portal, `i-bio.gov.uk', under `Support for Competitiveness'.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
1997-98 1998-99 1999-2000 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 plans
outturn outturn outturn working outturn working
provision1 provision2
Knowledge transfer and 39.3 30.5 32.7 47.2 -- -- --
collaboration
Innovation promotion and 78.0 61.2 56.1 66.8 -- -- --
support
Standards and National 56.6 60.0 60.4 61.7 -- -- --
Measurement System
Sector Challenge 4.6 11.5 10.4 4.3 -- -- --
CARAD 24.6 21.0 20.0 20.0 -- -- --
Space3 102.4 87.5 88.2 90.0 87.7 85.0 82.5
Industrial exploitation of -- -- -- -- 67.9 86.8 94.1
science
Support for competitiveness -- -- -- -- 60.3 73.0 73.4
Technical and design -- -- -- -- 69.9 73.7 89.4
infrastructure
Expert advice and other -- -- -- -- 7.7 3.8 2.7
expenditure
Total 305.5 271.7 267.8 290.0 293.5 322.3 342.1
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
1 Budget structure changed from 2001-02. 2 2002-03 outturn will be reported in the 2004 departmental report. 3 Excludes Office of
Science and Technology expenditure on space (except for 2003-04 plans, which include BNSC budgets transferring to the Science budget
from 2003-04). Source: 1999-2003 departmental reports (Cm 4211, March 1999, Table 1.5; Cm 4611, April 2000, Figure 3.7; Cm 5112,
March 2001, Figure 4.5; Cm 5416, June 2002, Figure 4.5; and Cm 5916, May 2003, Figure 5.2)
Subjects
Construction; Design; Finance; Expenditure; Innovation; Technology; Science; Space technology
Date
28 January 2004
Reference
417 c372-4W; 147804
House
House of Commons