Asked by: Alan Gemmell (Labour - Central Ayrshire)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to support the growth of the life sciences manufacturing sector.
Answered by Feryal Clark - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
At the Budget, the Chancellor unveiled the Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund, which will provide up to £520 million to secure major life sciences manufacturing investments across the UK. The scheme is now open to applications.
My Department is working across government on the upcoming Life Sciences sector plan under the Industrial Strategy, the 10-year health plan, and the Innovation and Adoption Strategy, which will detail the government's approach to this critical sector.
Asked by: Alan Gemmell (Labour - Central Ayrshire)
Question to the Scotland Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what progress his Department has made on the Ayrshire Growth Deal.
Answered by Ian Murray - Secretary of State for Scotland
The Scotland Office is working closely with local partners and the Scottish Government to deliver for the people of Ayrshire through the £251 million Ayrshire Growth Deal.
As part of this, my department is supporting a programme review of the Deal in order to make strategic changes to ensure the originally envisaged benefits of the Deal are realised.
This includes proposals from the Ayrshire Councils to develop the new Prestwick space and aerospace proposition. This is a normal part of the Deal process, to ensure the programme can respond to external challenges such as inflation whilst having the greatest possible impact.
Asked by: Alan Gemmell (Labour - Central Ayrshire)
Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what her planned timetable is for decisions for awards under the Community Ownership Fund Round 4.
Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
This Government is committed empowering communities with a strong new ‘right to buy’ beloved community assets, such as empty shops, pubs and community spaces. We will make further announcements in due course.