Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Research and Development Sector

Wednesday 15 March 2023 · 6 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government plans to increase public expenditure on research and development to 20 billion by 2024-25.
  • Department worked with Treasury to protect life sciences and tech sectors in Oxfordshire.
  • Government committed to reforms to enhance London markets as a destination for tech and life science companies to raise funds.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Tim Loughton Con
Science & Technology
Context

The MP inquired about measures to support research and development activities.

Question

What steps her Department is taking to support the research and development sector.

Answer from Michelle Donelan

Backed by our commitment to increasing public expenditure on research and development to £20 billion by 2024-25, we have launched our plan to cement the UK's place as a science and technology superpower by 2030, fostering the right conditions for industry, innovation and world-leading research.

Answered
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Q2 Robert Courts Con
Economy Science & Technology
Context

The MP inquired about the government's actions to help science and tech companies affected by the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank.

Question

What has the Minister been doing to help science and tech businesses in Oxfordshire, so that they no longer have to look into the abyss?

Answer from Michelle Donelan

My hon. Friend is absolutely right that the futures of so many companies, and thousands of UK jobs, were at stake. My Department worked tirelessly with the Treasury to facilitate a solution. In doing so, we have protected our life sciences and tech sectors, which not only drive economic growth across the country but deliver life-saving products.

Answered
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Q3 Tim Loughton Con
Science & Technology Business & Trade
Context

The MP inquired about measures to assist tech and life science companies in raising capital through the London stock market.

Question

What are the Government doing to help tech and life science companies raise money on the London markets?

Answer from Michelle Donelan

We are committed to making the UK the most attractive place for innovation and businesses to start and grow. The Treasury has made significant reforms to improve London as a listing destination, and we continue to engage with sectors to secure the most innovative companies in the UK stock exchange.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment without specific details on how this will be achieved

How: Committed

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Q4 Dan Jarvis Lab Barnsley North
NHS Science & Technology
Context

The MP requested investment for the Weston Park Cancer Centre, a specialist cancer facility conducting groundbreaking research.

Question

Will the Secretary of State look at what can be done to invest in the Weston Park Cancer Centre?

Answer from Michelle Donelan

The Government are putting their money where their mouth is. We are determined to ensure that we are a science and tech superpower by 2030. I would be delighted to meet the hon. Gentleman to discuss his own constituency in detail.

Not addressed: Commitment without specific actions or timeline for investment

How: Delighted To Meet

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Q5 Christina Rees Lab
Science & Technology
Context

The MP asked about the Government's commitment to provide the remaining £10 million of funding for the Global Centre of Rail Excellence (GCRE) being developed in her constituency.

Question

Will the Secretary of State reconfirm her Government's commitment to deliver the remaining £10 million for research and development?

Answer from Michelle Donelan

I am unsure as to that exact question, but this Government are investing a great deal—£20 billion by 2024-25. We are determined to ensure that we become a science and tech superpower. This Department has already hit the ground running, produced a science and tech framework, and announced £370 million of additional funding.

Not addressed: No specific commitment or confirmation on delivering remaining GCRE funding

How: Unsure, Framework

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Q6 Carol Monaghan SNP
Brexit
Context

The MP inquired about the urgency of reaching a decision regarding the UK's association with the EU's research and innovation programme, Horizon.

Question

When will we have a decision on whether the UK will associate to Horizon?

Answer from Michelle Donelan

We have not changed our position regarding Horizon and association was in the UK-EU trade and co-operation agreement. We welcome the EU's recent openness to the discussion, after two years of delay, and I discussed the matter directly with the EU ambassador yesterday.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific timeline or commitment provided

How: Not Changed Position

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