To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what his assessment is of the contribution to the UK economy of Daresbury Science and Innovation campus; and if he will make a statement. (184819)

I have been asked to reply.

The Daresbury Science and Innovation Campus has made a significant contribution to the UK, both economically and scientifically. The Government remain committed to developing the Daresbury Science and Innovation Campus, as announced in the March 2006 Budget, so it can continue to do so.

The development of the campus has been through a partnership between the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), the North West Development Agency (NWDA), the Universities of Manchester, Liverpool and Lancaster and Halton borough council. This has led to more than 60 high-technology companies locating at Daresbury over the past two years.

The STFC has confirmed that it will continue to invest at Daresbury to provide global leadership in key science and technology areas, building on the world class skills currently on the campus.

The Government have asked Sir Tom McKillop to chair an independent review of how best to implement the Government’s and STFC’s shared vision for Daresbury.