Oral Answers to Questions

Lord Wilson of Sedgefield Excerpts

Thursday 27th October 2011 Commons Chamber

[Vince Cable]

I think they expect an announcement very soon. The visit was extremely constructive, and my colleague and others have rightly emphasised to us that energy-intensive industries are a key part of manufacturing recovery. It would be totally counter-productive economically and environmentally if they were driven overseas. We are determined that that should not happen, and a package of measures will be announced soon.

[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%?