Lords Committee inquiry on Innovate UK to hold first evidence session
A new Lords inquiry into Innovate UK will get under way next week, Tuesday 7 June, with its first evidence session, hearing from academics and from industry figures.
On the same day, shortly after 3pm, there will be a debate in the Lords chamber on the recent Science and Technology Committee report into GM insects.
For its latest inquiry, the Lords Science and Technology Committee will examine the implications of the Government's newly announced plans to incorporate Innovate UK into UK Research and Innovation alongside the Research Councils and Research England.
It will begin taking oral evidence at 10.40am from David Eyton, BP and Dr Virginia Acha, Executive Director of Research, Medical & Innovation, at the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry.
Then in the second evidence session, at 11.40am, the Committee will hear from Laura Smith, CBI, Professor Luke Georghiou, University of Manchester, and Dr David Hardman, Chair, United Kingdom Science Park Association.
Areas that will be covered in both sessions include the impact of Innovate UK to date, challenges and barriers faced by businesses working with Innovate UK, the risks and opportunities of the Government's proposals, and how Innovate UK works in the regions.
Later in the day, at around 3pm, the Committee's report from December 2015 into Genetically Modified insects will be debated in the chamber.
Already down to speak are Lord Cameron of Dillington, Earl of Selborne, Lord Fox; Baroness Jones of Whitchurch; and Lord Krebs.
Responding on behalf of the Government will be Lord Gardiner of Kimble.
The Committee evidence sessions on Innovate UK will take place at 10.40am and 11.40am in Committee Room 4A in the House of Lords, on Tuesday 7 June.
