Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Productivity

Wednesday 22 May 2024 · 2 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Theresa Villiers inquired about steps to ensure Government-funded research boosts productivity.
  • The Government highlighted record funding for research and a focus on innovation to benefit taxpayers.
  • The Government announced 15.5 million to roll out AI radiotherapy to speed up cancer diagnosis.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Theresa Villiers Con
Economy Science & Technology
Context

The question arises from a broader concern about increasing levels of productivity in the UK. Theresa Villiers asks how government-funded research can be utilized to achieve this goal.

Question

What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to ensure that Government-funded research is used to help increase levels of productivity.

Answer from Andrew Griffith

The Government are providing record levels of taxpayer funding for research, and my right hon. Friend is right to highlight the opportunity to improve productivity. A priority for research councils is to focus on not just discovery but innovation, so that British taxpayers feel the benefits of faster economic growth, rising living standards and better health outcomes.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not specify any concrete steps being taken by Cabinet colleagues or detailed plans for increasing productivity through research funding.

How: We Are Committed To Improving Productivity

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Q2 Theresa Villiers Con
NHS Science & Technology
Context

Based on her recent visit to Chase Farm Hospital, Theresa Villiers highlights the potential of better digital systems and AI in enhancing NHS productivity. She asks about leveraging the science and research budget for these purposes.

Question

As I saw during a recent visit to Chase Farm Hospital, better digital systems can dramatically improve NHS productivity, and artificial intelligence can contribute to that as well. Will the Government use their science and research budget to increase NHS output, improve outcomes for patients and get waiting lists down?

Answer from Andrew Griffith

That is exactly what we are doing. On Monday, the Prime Minister announced £15.5 million to roll out artificial intelligence radiotherapy that locates cancer cells two and a half times more quickly, helping to reduce those anxious days for patients and their families who are awaiting a diagnosis. That is affordable only thanks to the fact that our plan for the economy is working. Labour has no plan, and would end up having to cut the research budget.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer provides an example of AI funding but does not address how the science and research budget will be used more broadly to improve NHS productivity as requested.

How: Labour Has No Plan, We Are Committed

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