Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Willetts and Phil Wilson

Thursday 27th October 2011 Commons Chamber

[Phil Wilson (Sedgefield) (Lab)]

3. What recent assessment he has made of the level of science funding over the comprehensive spending review period.

[The Minister for Universities and Science (Mr David Willetts)]

Funding for science and research programmes has been protected with a flat cash ring-fenced settlement of £4.6 billion for each of the next four years. We can be proud of our scientific research, and that is why the coalition is backing it.

[Phil Wilson]

Although I welcome the investment in the technology and innovation centres, one of which is in my constituency, will the Minister explain to the House why the Government have continued to cut the science budget by 12% overall when Germany, one of our main competitors, has increased its budget by 8%?