Written question asked by Lord Bruce of Bennachie (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 31 January 1997. It was answered by Ian Taylor (Conservative) on Friday, 31 January 1997 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: What is the estimated expenditure on (a) the SPUR scheme and (b) the SMART scheme for (i) 1997-98 and (ii) 1998-99. - (Holding answer 27 January 1997). Inc ref to DTI press notice p/96/756.

Answer: Mr. Malcolm Bruce: To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the estimated expenditure on (a) the support for products under research scheme and (b) the small firms merit award for research and technology scheme for (i) 1997-98 and (ii) 1998-99. [12783] Mr. Ian Taylor: [holding answer 27 January 1997]: On 15 October 1996, my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade announced a significant rationalisation of the current range of programmes for promoting research and development, including plans for a new scheme in England combining the current SMART, SPUR, SPUR-plus and innovation element of regional enterprise grants. A copy of the announcement, DTI press notice p/96/756, is available in the Library of the House. A further announcement with details of the new scheme, including funding levels for 1997-98 and 1998-99, will be made in due course. Different arrangements will apply in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Work is also being done to enable these schemes to reflect foresight objectives.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 12783; 289 c417W
Session: 1996-97
Subjects: Industry Innovation Government assistance Technology Research Science Regional enterprise grants
Contains statistics: Yes