Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Mathematical Sciences Academy

Wednesday 8 January 2025 · 2 questions

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

At a glance

Key points

  • Ministerial Questions addressed the cancellation of the Mathematical Sciences Academy on 2025-01-08
  • Jack Rankin questioned the Secretary of State about the importance placed on national academies and mathematical sciences
  • Steve Race highlighted new funding for research and development announced in the Budget as positive clarity for the sector

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Jack Rankin Con Windsor
Context

The Department of Science, Innovation and Technology underspent by nearly £600 million in the last financial year. A proposed national maths academy was planned to cost just £6 million.

Question

People are disappointed by this cancellation. Can the Secretary of State explain whether he cancelled the academy because he does not value the role of our national academies, or because he does not think mathematical sciences are important?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (Peter Kyle)

I have just explained all of the ways we are helping, assisting, supporting and driving mathematical science. The hon. Member has just listed all of the ways his party has failed that sector by underspending in many parts of Government and failing to commit the spending to the project that he is now calling on this Government to support.

Not addressed: The cancellation of the national maths academy was not directly addressed. Instead, the answerer criticized the previous government's funding record.

How: Criticizing Previous Government

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Context

The Government announced new funding for research and development in the recent Budget.

Question

Does the Secretary of State agree that the recent announcement of new funding for research and development in the Budget gives the sector really good clarity about investment across the coming years and about the way forward that this Government wish to take?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (Peter Kyle)

I am grateful for my hon. Friend’s question. He is quite right to highlight that, finally, science and technology in this country has a Government on its side and putting their money where their mouth is.

Not addressed: No specific details were provided about the clarity of investment or future direction for R&D funding.

How: Broad Statement

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