To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has made of the amount of carbon dioxide emissions that will be abated as a result of the elements of the Strategic Investment Fund earmarked for low-carbon projects. (285038)

It has not been possible to estimate the impact of projects supported by the Strategic Investment Fund on future carbon dioxide emissions.

The Strategic Investment Fund is supporting the research, development and demonstration of key low carbon technologies in areas including wind and marine energy and electric vehicles, which if viable will support delivery of the carbon reduction targets to which the UK is committed. Wherever possible their potential to contribute to long-term abatement was taken into account.

The Strategic Investment Fund was established to support advanced industrial projects of strategic importance, consistent with the vision set out in “New Industry, New Jobs”, and the UK low-carbon industrial strategy. The latter, published on 15 July 2009, set out the first investments from the £250 million of funding allocated for low carbon economic development.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what proportion of the £750 million Strategic Investment Fund announced in the 2009 Budget has been allocated to individual projects; and how much has been paid from the fund to eligible projects. (289833)

Over £700 million of the £750 million within the Strategic Investment Fund has already been allocated, or is earmarked for specific projects and investments. While such allocations have been made, the money has not in itself been drawn down as claims as they will either be paid in arrears, or on the basis of future calls.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what the monetary value of payments to businesses from the is to date; what the average monetary value of such payments is; and how many (a) life sciences and (b) other businesses have received such payments. (291811)

Over £700 million of the £750 million within the Strategic Investment Fund has already been allocated, or is earmarked for specific projects in support of the vision set out in “New Industry, New Jobs” framework document. The remaining £50 million will be allocated to projects by the end of October.

While commitments to fund investments have been made, the money has not in itself been drawn down as claims as they will either be paid in arrears, or on the basis of future calls. There is no average monetary value of such payments at this stage due to the differing values and timing of individual calls on the SIF. No businesses have received specific payments for life sciences, at this stage.