Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Emma Reynolds and Lord Willetts

Thursday 2nd February 2012 Commons Chamber

[Emma Reynolds (Wolverhampton North East) (Lab)]

British Aerospace has a 17% global share, and as such is No. 1 in Europe, but its future depends on not only exports but on investment in research and development. Given that many other Governments in Europe and around the world give more support to research and development than we do, what more can the Government do to help in that vital area?

[Mr Willetts]

That is why the Government have provided cash protection and ring-fenced the science and research budget, and why in the autumn statement we were able to announce significant increases in funding for the Technology Strategy Board.