Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Home Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Andrew Miller Excerpts
Monday 1st November 2010

(14 years ago)

Commons Chamber
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Baroness May of Maidenhead Portrait Mrs May
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I am grateful to my hon. Friend for recognising that the UK Border Agency will look at the very real case that has been presented by the Beatson institute in relation to its particular requirements. We have a commitment, as a coalition Government, to reduce net migration into this country. I believe that it is important that we do that, but do it a way that will ensure that we can truly attract the brightest and the best into this country to do the valuable work that they do in places such as the Beatson institute.

Andrew Miller Portrait Andrew Miller (Ellesmere Port and Neston) (Lab)
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I presume that there must have been some joined-up thinking in the Government on this matter. Will the Home Secretary therefore publish the cross-departmental analysis that brings together the impact on our science base and competitiveness of Lord Browne’s report, the comprehensive spending review, cuts in departmental science, and the immigration cap?

Baroness May of Maidenhead Portrait Mrs May
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As the hon. Gentleman has an interest in these matters, he will be aware that the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has made efforts to protect the spending in relation to research on science. In looking at how we introduce our immigration cap, we will be making efforts to ensure that institutes and universities that require access to truly the brightest and the best are able to have it.