Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to the Central Government Supply Estimates 2022-23, page 300, what assessment she had made of the consequences for the Government’s global science superpower aims as a result of the £1,602,000,000 surrender to HM Treasury.

In order to cement our position as a science Superpower, the Government will deliver its commitment to invest £20 billion per annum in R&D by 2024/25. R&D spending across Government is rising 30% in cash terms from 21/22 to 24/25- the largest-ever increase over a spending review period.

The surrender to HM Treasury was as a result of delays in association to European Programmes. Departmental underspends are usually returned to the Exchequer at Supplementary Estimates to ensure spending plans are taut and realistic. Any funding required for association in future years will be made available once there is clarity on UK association to EU programmes.