Labour pledge on research units

Hopes that a Labour government would rescue the Office of Science and Technology from the Department of Trade and Industry were diminished yesterday when Labour said that it would only "review" the OST's position.

But it would create a new post, chief scientist to the DTI, to separate advising the DTI from the broader role of the Government's chief scientific adviser.

In a paper launched on Wednesday at the British Association for the Advancement of Science in Birmingham, Labour argues that by the time it would be in power the OST, which was taken over by the DTI over a year ago, will have put down roots.

But the party has promised to halt the privatisation of public sector research establishments. It said: "The PSREs are a major national resource and a source of crucial research expertise, involved in long-term research activity in collaboration with universities and industry. They have a vital role to play in offering independent impartial advice to government."

On the OST, the policy paper says that Labour will "undertake a thorough review of the effectiveness of the new structure in consultation with industry and the research and academic centres". It says the move to the DTI was part of the creation of the new office of deputy prime minister.

The new policy on innovation, design, science and technology is part of Labour's document Vision for Growth: a New Industrial Strategy for Britain. Labour also said it will review the research councils and the higher education funding councils "to determine the most effective means of supporting university science and to ensure that there is a coordinated understanding and strategy in delivering funding resources". It wanted to ensure that decisions about the research councils are "transparent".

Policy Agenda

May 1996. David Blunkett's team publishes overall higher education policy in Lifelong Learning, Labour's submission to Dearing inquiry. Internal consultation continuing.

September 4 1996. Business Prospectus. Tony Blair promises audit of Technology Foresight programme and support for Design Council.

September 11 1996. Vision for Growth published (above).

Late 1996. Documents expected on the Citizens Service for young volunteers, teacher training and the University for Industry.

Plus social security policy being developed by Harriet Harman's team.