Anger as government finance ministers snub science debate

Daniel Zeichner MP has reacted angrily after the Government failed to send a treasury minister to a debate on the future of science funding.

 

Mr Zeichner went to the special debate to express his alarm over the widely reported suggestion that the Treasury is considering swapping research grants for loans.

Many small to mid-sized high tech companies have warned that a significant loan on their books would make them technically insolvent and stop products getting to market.

Mr Zeichner highlighted award winning local biotechnology company Discuva  -which received a Biomedical Catalyst Grant in 2012  - who have reacted with alarm at a possible swap from research grants to loans.

Daniel Zeichner MP said: “I’m hugely disappointed that no treasury minister came to listen to our concerns.

"Future funding for a secure long-term, successful science and innovation sector is vital for the future prosperity of our whole country, and mustn’t be sacrificed for a short-term political fix.

"Treasury ministers may have avoided the debate today but I’ll be back to raise science funding with them again – they cannot dodge these vital questions.”

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