Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to the oral contribution by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to the Treasury Committee on 12 December 2016, in response to Q311, who in his Department is responsible for assessing whether grant applications for Horizon 2020 funding are (a) value for money and (b) in line with Government objectives.

In response to Q311, at the Treasury Committee on Monday 12 December, the Chancellor made reference to the process for EU Structural Funds rather than for Horizon 2020

The Treasury will underwrite all successful bids for Horizon 2020 that are approved by the Commission, even when specific projects continue beyond the departure from the EU.

Government departments will not assess Horizon 2020 grant applications – Horizon 2020 is an EU programme, independent of the UK government, and grant funding is awarded by the Commission based on peer review.

UK businesses and Universities should continue to bid for competitive EU funds while we remain a member of the EU. We will work with the Commission to ensure payment when funds are awarded.