George Freeman (Mid Norfolk) (Con): How he proposes that his Department’s investment in graphene will be spent. [R] [85400]
The Minister for Universities and Science (Mr David Willetts): Graphene is the thinnest, lightest, strongest and most conductive material known to man. Its discovery in Manchester in 2001 is testament to our strong science base and opens up a wide range of possibilities. That is why we have committed £50 million to create a new UK graphene hub to focus on its commercialisation. The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and the Technology Strategy Board are now developing a detailed business case, which will be submitted to the Government shortly. We expect funding to start next year.
George Freeman: I welcome that announcement. Does the Minister agree that the investment of £50 million in a world-class hub is testament to the Government’s serious commitment to a rebalanced economy and a regional growth strategy? Will he agree to place a sample of graphene—like this—in the Library for the edification of us all?
Mr Speaker: The use of such props is on the whole discouraged, but we will let the hon. Gentleman off on this occasion.
Mr Willetts: I do not think that that is quite life science—nor is it supposed to be life-size, because it is one atom. I have some graphene in my office, and I would be very happy to show it to people who want to know what has been discovered. I absolutely agree with my hon. Friend. As a result of the Chancellor’s announcement we are now able to invest in labs that will ensure that researchers can develop and research the applications of this important material.
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It is being led by Adam Hill, a recent graduate from the MDS fresh produce graduate scheme who is being supported by a team of highly experienced fresh produce industry professionals.
The speakers and mentors at Fresh Inspirations include senior directors from food businesses including retailers Tesco, Co-operative Farms and Marks & Spencer, well-known high street brand Innocent Drinks, as well as leading academics, career coaches, directors and MD’s from some of the UK’s leading produce companies.
The speakers will present on relevant, hard-hitting topics focussed on the key supply chain challenges and delegates will be able to interact face-to-face with the mentors and benefit from their experience, advice and guidance in all areas of the supply chain
Click here to see more or book a place: http://www.onepageprofile.co.uk/people/FreshInspirations/
George raised In particular the fears for the closure of Wymondham station and was pleased to be reassured that the station will not close and that Abellio have room within their budget for a package of station upgrades and refurbishments. He will be continuing to campaign for Wymondham station and Eastern rail in Parliament and monitoring the developments at Abellio.
The Rt. Hon Dr Vince Cable MP joined local businessmen and council representatives at the ‘Unlocking Future Growth Conference’ on Friday morning.
Speaking after the visit George Freeman said:
“I thank the Secretary of State for paying us this visit and am sure that, like me, he was impressed by the efforts being made in our region to boost the local economy. This was a fantastic event providing useful insight for business owners and an invaluable opportunity for networking.
“I also took the opportunity to repeat my recent comments in the House calling for improved infrastructure in the East. Improved rail links are the key to unlocking Norfolk’s innovation potential; we’ve got the talent we just need to improve connections to the rest of the UK. Happily though, we are heading in the right direction: Broadband roll-out is on the way, the Chancellor has shown a commitment to Infrastructure during his Autumn Statement, and the Norfolk MPs will be holding a high-level Rail Summit in December.”
The event, which will mark years of hard work and investment to refurbish the building, will involve readings from school children and performances from the Parachute Regiment Band.
Speaking in advance of the opening George Freeman said:
“I congratulate the councillors, architects, the town clerk, and I am sure many more involved, for their perseverance during this project. They can be immensely proud of the work they have done in providing Dereham with this facility. This new space allows Dereham to attract the arts and entertainment to the town and will be of huge benefit to its residents.
“The regeneration of the Hall also takes into account the heroism and self-sacrifice of Dereham’s residents and I look forward to viewing the First World War roll of honour and statue on display. In every aspect of the Memorial Hall its designers have been successful in combining modern facilities with a sensitivity to its past. Well done!”
| EDP: Dereham Memorial Hall to re-open after £2.6m refit
Bringing together business, researchers, clinicians and patients to translate discovery into clinical use for medical innovation within the NHS, the policy will radically empower patients, giving them earlier access to innovative treatments and the opportunity to take part in clinical trials.
Commenting on the announcements George Freeman said:
“The announcements in the Prime Minister’s Speech today can do for UK Life Sciences what John F Kennedy’s Apollo Mission did for the US’s leadership in aeronautics and aviation technology. The world is facing an epidemic of disease and the race is on to shift from treating the symptoms of late stage disease to developing the earlier diagnosis and preventative treatments. Achieving this will require a joint effort and unlock huge benefits for our Universities, Scientists, NHS Clinicians, Industry and Patients.
“By unlocking the full value of the NHS in accelerating the discovery of new medicines we can deliver huge benefits for all NHS patients. This ‘translational medicine’ approach of using large-scale, consented, and anonymised data, and allowing more patients to take part in clinical trials, is already being pioneered in the fields of cancer and dementia research. In the UK one in every six cancer patients is involved in research, representing 42,000 cancer patients per year, the highest level in the world. Three quarters of these cancer patients (over 30,000 per year) are also enrolled into a Cancer Research UK funded trial. Similarly in the field of Dementia research, a hidden time-bomb, the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and Kings College London have already launched a project allowing for the secure and anonymised use of 180,000 individual patient data records which is leading to more accurate and earlier diagnosis. Two out of three of us will suffer from Dementia at some stage of our lives and we need to throw all we have at it to counter this epidemic.
“Today we are sending a message around the world that the UK intends to be the best place to come and research the preventative medicines of tomorrow.”
George welcomed the measures included in the recent Autumn Statement that will support rural communities. Having campaigned for better rural broadband, post offices, road and rail links as vital to a vibrant rural economy, I’m pleased to see these matters being taken seriously by the Government. I will continue championing rural issues in Parliament to ensure that this progress continues.
You can see the policy measures below:
Fuel Duty: This Government has cancelled the increase in fuel duty planned for January and has cut August’s increase to 3p rather than the planned 5p. For rural families this means a saving of £144 on filling up the average family car by the end of next year.
Rural Growth Networks: A new £15m package to support six Rural Growth Networks, run by Local Enterprise Partnerships, which will consist of small hubs providing premises, infrastructure, mentoring and priority access to £100m of Rural Development (RDPE) funds.
More flexibility for redundant farm buildings: We will consult on reforms to make it easier to use redundant farm buildings for business use so that they can be brought back into use for housing new enterprises and providing workspace for local businesses.
Support for small businesses: Small businesses which often form the backbone of rural economies will be able to take advantage of the support measures such as the six month extension of the business rate holiday, the new Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme, the £20bn National Loan Guarantee Scheme and the £1bn Business Finance Partnership.
Rural Broadband: £530m is already being spent on rolling out superfast Broadband countrywide, but an additional £20m Rural Community Broadband Fund will help bring this to the most isolated, hard to reach rural areas.
Rural Tourism: A new £25m package to support the rural tourist industry by funding new infrastructure such as visitors’ centres, scenic paths, recreational facilities etc. as well as marketing and promoting our tourist opportunities, particularly in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Rural Community Renewable Energy: A new £15m package to help meet the upfront costs of getting small-scale, renewable energy projects in rural areas underway by lending the money required for practical costs like feasibility studies, application costs, surveys, fees etc.
Measures to grow our Food and Drink sector: A joint Government/industry action plan to boost exports, promote innovation in food and drink production and processing, which already contributes £85 to the UK economy.
After a decade of neglect of rural areas, we are working hard to stimulate a thriving and prosperous rural economy which plays a substantial part in creating growth and rebalancing our economy. This Autumn Statement represents a good opportunity to demonstrate to rural constituents that this Coalition Government is standing up for them, and is committed to delivering much needed growth and job opportunities in the countryside as well as our towns and cities
Further details can also be found at: www.defra.gov.uk/rural/economy
These bus schemes are vital to ensure our most vulnerable are not left isolated.
For more information, and to sign the petition, please click on the link below:
http://www.norfolk.gov.uk/Travel_and_transport/Travel_choices/Scheduled_bus_services/National_bus_pass/NCC094770
Speaking after the Statement George said:
'Today’s announcements show that this Government has a plan for building long term sustainable growth through an innovation economy, whilst Labour offer nothing but more debt, tax, and higher interest rates.'
FULL TEXT:
George Freeman (Mid Norfolk) (Con): I warmly welcome the statement on behalf of families and businesses in my constituency, particularly the billions for infrastructure, the strong support for science and innovation and the very imaginative scheme for unlocking credit easing for small companies. Does that not show that this Government are laying the foundations for sustainable economic growth, while the Labour party has nothing to offer but more debt, more tax and higher interest rates?
Mr Osborne: I completely agree with my hon. Friend. What was really striking in the shadow Chancellor’s response was that the heart of his argument was, “We’re borrowing too much, so let’s borrow more.” I do not think that is a very convincing argument. The only reason why he advances it is that he, almost alone in the Labour party, cannot admit that the last Government borrowed too much.
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