To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what progress has been made on the proposed Quantum Technology Partnership in South Worcestershire; what involvement (a) his Department and (b) the regional development agency have had with the project; and if he will make a statement. (293755)

[holding answer 16 October 2009]: The Quantum Technology Partnership is intended to bring together QinetiQ, universities and industry to create a world class centre for the industrial exploitation of quantum technology research. AWM has been working with the partners to develop the project over the past 12 months. The agency has employed a specialist project manager to support the partners, and has also commissioned economic impact work and contributed to the costs of some of the property aspects of the project.

In January AWM received an application for funding of up to £10 million towards the project. The project received outline approval on 6 August 2009 and a full application is expected to be received for appraisal later this month. Subject to satisfactory appraisal and approval by the Agency’s Investment Decision Group a funding agreement could be in place in January 2010.

The partners have also sought funding from BIS; the Department is exploring funding opportunities with AWM.