8 December 2011
George Freeman welcomes the Government's £50 million investment in new graphene hub to focus on its commercialisation.
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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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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