Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Science and Technology Sector: International Competitiveness

Wednesday 3 May 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 0 Partly answered 6 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government published the science and technology framework in March 2023 to make the UK a science and technology superpower by 2030.
  • Minister for Science, Research and Innovation has met Syngenta to encourage innovation in the Bracknell area.
  • Government is investing in the nuclear fuel cycle to enhance energy security and export opportunities.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Mark Menzies Con
Science & Technology
Context

The MP inquired about steps to support international competitiveness in the UK's science and technology sector.

Question

What steps her Department is taking to support the international competitiveness of the science and technology sector.

Answer from Paul Scully

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps for international competitiveness were not detailed

How: Vague Reference To A '10-Point Plan' Without Specifics

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Q2 James Sunderland
Science & Technology
Context

The MP wrote to the Department about the future of Syngenta, a significant employer and innovator in the area.

Question

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?

Answer from Paul Scully

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No commitment to a specific visit or action beyond meeting plans

How: No Clear Timeline For Any Specific Follow-Up

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Q3 Mark Menzies Con
Energy Business & Trade
Context

The MP highlighted Springfields' role in nuclear fuel manufacturing and medical isotope development, seeking Government support for the sector.

Question

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?

Answer from Paul Scully

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No mention of specific conversations or commitments beyond recognition of capability

How: Acknowledges Capability But No Specifics On Discussions

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Q4 Daniel Zeichner Lab Cambridge
NHS Economy
Context

The MP expressed concern about a high levy affecting investment and jobs in the life sciences sector.

Question

What is the Secretary of State doing to make sure that investment and jobs do not go elsewhere due to the levy?

Answer from Paul Scully

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific actions or commitments beyond acknowledging sensitivity

How: Acknowledges Negotiations But No Concrete Steps

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Q5 Gregory Campbell DUP East Londonderry
Education Science & Technology
Context

The MP sought to replicate the success of biomedical sciences at Ulster University in other parts of the UK.

Question

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?

Answer from Paul Scully

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific plan or timeline for replication

How: Acknowledges Success But No Specifics On How It Will Be Replicated

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Q6 Stephanie Peacock Lab Barnsley South
Economy Energy
Context

The MP highlighted the issue of broadband access and social tariffs for low-income families, citing Ofcom statistics.

Question

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?

Answer from Paul Scully

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific timeline for matching commitments

How: Acknowledges Increase But No Clear Commitment Or Timeline

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