Science and Technology Sector International Competitiveness 2023-05-03
2023-05-03
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP inquired about steps to support international competitiveness in the UK's science and technology sector.
What steps her Department is taking to support the international competitiveness of the science and technology sector.
The Government published the science and technology framework in March 2023, setting out our approach to making the UK a science and technology superpower by 2030. This will increase the UK's strategic advantage in relation to other nations. As part of that, we have a 10-point plan, having identified five critical technologies, including AI, semiconductors and quantum, which we will prioritise to deliver the framework's ambition.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific steps for international competitiveness were not detailed
Vague Reference To A '10-Point Plan' Without Specifics
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP wrote to the Department about the future of Syngenta, a significant employer and innovator in the area.
Will the Minister please agree to visit Syngenta with me, and to do what is necessary to ensure that this is not another GSK moment?
I acknowledge my hon. Friend's work to encourage innovation, including at Syngenta. My colleague, the Minister for Science, Research and Innovation, has already met Syngenta, and one of us will follow up with my hon. Friend to see what more we can do to support innovation in the Bracknell area.
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Assessment & feedback
No commitment to a specific visit or action beyond meeting plans
No Clear Timeline For Any Specific Follow-Up
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlighted Springfields' role in nuclear fuel manufacturing and medical isotope development, seeking Government support for the sector.
What conversations has my hon. Friend had with the Prime Minister and other Ministers about ensuring our domestic nuclear capability is the go-to choice for use in the UK and about maximising opportunities abroad?
My hon. Friend always champions industry and innovation in his area. We recognise the UK's significant capabilities in the nuclear fuel cycle and the benefit this provides to our energy security and to realising export opportunities. Through the nuclear fuel fund, the Government are investing in Springfields and other parts of the supply chain to further expand essential capabilities so we can realise benefits for the UK and abroad.
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Assessment & feedback
No mention of specific conversations or commitments beyond recognition of capability
Acknowledges Capability But No Specifics On Discussions
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP expressed concern about a high levy affecting investment and jobs in the life sciences sector.
What is the Secretary of State doing to make sure that investment and jobs do not go elsewhere due to the levy?
We are negotiating hard on this. Obviously, the negotiations are sensitive at this time, but we are aware of the fact that we are ahead and we want to stay ahead in life sciences, which are part of our key technologies.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific actions or commitments beyond acknowledging sensitivity
Acknowledges Negotiations But No Concrete Steps
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP sought to replicate the success of biomedical sciences at Ulster University in other parts of the UK.
Will the Minister undertake to ensure that the success of biomedical sciences at Ulster University is replicated and the United Kingdom becomes genuinely a world leader?
Absolutely. We know we have a strong cluster there, and universities such as Ulster University are at the heart of that innovation. We will do exactly as the hon. Member said and make sure we can replicate as much of that clustering around the UK.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific plan or timeline for replication
Acknowledges Success But No Specifics On How It Will Be Replicated
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlighted the issue of broadband access and social tariffs for low-income families, citing Ofcom statistics.
When will the Government match Labour's commitment to ensure that there is an industry-wide, mandatory and well-advertised social tariff for low-income families?
There has been a fourfold increase in people taking up social tariffs, but we know we have to do more to help people with the cost of living. That is why we lent in to the carriers in the first place and encouraged the introduction of social tariffs, but we will do more. We will work with the carriers to make sure that those tariffs get advertised well, so we can get better take-up.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific timeline for matching commitments
Acknowledges Increase But No Clear Commitment Or Timeline
Response accuracy