Q&A: Lord Drayson on science spend

UK Science Minister, Lord Drayson, has called for more of the research budget to be spent in areas that would benefit the economy.

BBC News website readers sent their questions about science funding to Lord Drayson. Below, he responds to your questions.

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Do you plan to introduce tax incentives to get companies to spend more in research and development (R&D) thereby making us more internationally competitive? Do you plan to divert the huge sums spent on defence research to projects that confront the major threats facing the planet - fusion research would be one example? Paul Gardner, Llangynidr, Powys

Lord Drayson: We are already offering substantial tax incentives to get companies to invest more in R&D through the government's R&D tax credits scheme. A CBI survey published in February notes that the R&D tax credit is an important factor for companies when deciding where to base R&D operations, and this scheme has improved the attractiveness of the UK as a destination for high value investment and jobs.

Defence research is needed to ensure we continue to maintain strong and effective defence forces into the future. It comes out of the defence budget and we do not intend to divert it into other projects. Nevertheless defence research often leads to breakthroughs which provide civilian benefit - e.g. radar.

Research into ways to reduce global warming often shows that they will not be good for the economy for our generation but will benefit our children and grandchildren. Does such research qualify for funding in a recession? Marion Monahan, Bristol UK

Lord Drayson: Yes. Research into global warming is a top priority for the government. We are working on three things: understanding its causes, how it works and its effects; developing the right technology to adapt to it; and encouraging people to behave differently. Many parts of government are involved. For example, the Department for Energy and Climate Change was set up to give a strong focus for what the government is doing. And through Department for Innovation, Universities and skills, the Natural Environment Research Council funds fundamental research.

Twenty bodies have got together in the