Oral Answers to Questions

Nick Fletcher Excerpts

Tuesday 22nd February 2022 Commons Chamber

[Aaron Bell (Newcastle-under-Lyme) (Con)]

2. What steps he is taking to support the growth of science and innovation through the Government's levelling-up agenda.

[Nick Fletcher (Don Valley) (Con)]

12. What steps he is taking to support the growth of science and innovation through the Government's levelling-up agenda.

[Robin Millar (Aberconwy) (Con)]

16. What steps he is taking to support the growth of science and innovation through the Government's levelling-up agenda.

--- Later in debate ---

[George Freeman]

My hon. Friend makes an excellent point. I pay tribute to his work and that of Keele. The enterprise zone is first class—similarly, the work of Keele University. I confirm that we are taking into account the very important role of universities in innovation and levelling up. He will see that reflected in the allocation of £40 billion to UK Research and Innovation and Innovate UK in the next three years.

[Nick Fletcher]

The advanced manufacturing research centre at Sheffield University would like to open an innovation facility at Doncaster Sheffield airport, which may bring the likes of Boeing and hybrid air vehicles to Doncaster. It needs just £24 million to do that. I have met the Minister on the subject before. Will he come to Doncaster and meet all the stakeholders to see if we can get the project moving forward and let the real levelling up begin?

[George Freeman]

I pay tribute to my hon. Friend, because this is the third time that he has raised this matter with me. He makes in important point. The Boeing interest in Doncaster Sheffield airport is part of our plan to grow an aerospace cluster around the whole of the UK. I very much welcome the opportunity to visit him and meet Boeing and local stakeholders.