| Previous Section | Index | Home Page |
1 Nov 2004 : Column 88W—continued
Glass Packaging Sector
Mr. Bill O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent reports she has received on the glass packaging sector, with particular reference to its (a) market structure, (b) output levels and (c) key characteristics, including job losses; and if she will make a statement. [194720]
Jacqui Smith: The Department has recently received an ECOTEC Report commissioned by Barnsley Development Agency on the economic impact assessment of the glass packaging sector on the Yorkshire and Humber economy.
The report considers the current as well as the likely future impacts of a proposed new glass packaging plant in Cheshire which is the subject of an RSA application currently with the Department.
Officials are currently considering developments on this case and will respond in more detail when they are in a position to do so.
Mr. Bill O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the (a) recent development of the glass container industry and (b) impact that development of the industry will have on jobs in the Yorkshire region. [194724]
1 Nov 2004 : Column 89W
Jacqui Smith: The recent ECOTEC report commissioned by Barnsley Development Agency suggests that since 2000 demand for glass packaging has grown by 1 per cent. per year. In the near future, growth in demand for glass packaging is expected to continue at approximately 1–2 per cent. per annum.
It is difficult to say what the impact on the development of the industry will have on jobs in the Yorkshire region but it is for Industry, in partnership with Government and key stakeholders such as the Regional Development Agency, to help manufacturing companies fulfil their potential.
Research and Development
Mr. Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the forthcoming competition deadlines are for grants for research and development in each region. [193784]
Nigel Griffiths: The first round of competitions in all English regions closed on 28 May 2004. A second competition in West Midlands closed on 8 October 2004 and a second competition is underway in the North East which closes on 12 November 2004. We are working closely with the Regional Development Agencies on the timing of future competitions.
Mr. Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the value is of the awards offered by her Department from the grant for research and development regional competitions held in May this year (a) in total and (b) broken down by region. [193785]
Nigel Griffiths: The value of Grant for Research and Development offers made in the first round of regional competitions that closed on 28 May 2004 are shown on the following table:
Mr. Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has to involve staff from the regional development agencies in the administration of the grant for research and development. [193789]
Nigel Griffiths:
Regional Development Agency (RDA) staff will administer the Grant for Research and Development from 1 April 2005. Officials in the Small
1 Nov 2004 : Column 90W
Business Service, the current administrators of the product, are working closely with RDA staff to ensure business continuity at the handover date.
Mr. Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what change there has been in her Department's spending priorities to accommodate an increase in funds for grants for research and development in 2003–04 and 2004–05. [193790]
Nigel Griffiths: The increased expenditure on Grant for Research and Development are contained within DTI's overall expenditure.
National Institute for Medical Research
Mr. Pollard: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions she has had with the Medical Research Council on alternatives to the closure and dispersal of the National Institute for Medical Research; and if she will make a statement. [193157]
Ms Hewitt: The future of the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) is a matter for the Medical Research Council (MRC). However, my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Science and Innovation met with NIMR staff and Union representatives last year and has discussed with MRC the handling of the process. I have not been personally involved in any discussions with MRC. OST is continuing to monitor developments and remains in close contact with the MRC on this matter.
DEFENCE
Armed Forces Deployment
Mr. Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence in how many different combat zones British forces are deployed. [191664]
Mr. Ingram: British Service personnel are deployed on operations in the principal locations as follows:
The list does not include personnel serving in loan/diplomatic posts, in permanent garrisons, personnel stationed on British overseas territories or on training detachments.
Arms Exports
Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many F680 applications (a) received clearance and (b) did not receive clearance in each year since 1997, broken down by applicant country. [194360]
Mr. Ingram:
Information on F680 applications cleared and refused is set out in the following tables.
1 Nov 2004 : Column 91W
1 Nov 2004 : Column 95W
1 Nov 2004 : Column 99W
| Next Section | Index | Home Page |