Government 'stifling scientists'

Last Modified: 28 Mar 2008
Source: PA News

Shadow Chancellor George Osborne has attacked the Government for stifling the nation's science community.

Speaking during a visit to Cheshire's Jodrell Bank observatory - home to the internationally renowned Lovell telescope - he criticised plans to slash £2.7 million a year from Britain's network of seven giant astronomy dishes just months before a major upgrade project is completed.

Scientists have warned that losing the funding for the e-Merlin network - a network of telescopes up and down the country - could effectively mean the end of the UK's participation in radio astronomy.

But the Government's Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) is battling to plug an £80 million shortfall in its budget and has identified a number of science projects whose funding could be cut.

Speaking before a tour of Jodrell Bank, Mr Osborne, MP for Tatton in Cheshire, said: "We must break Gordon Brown's stranglehold over British science and return power to scientific experts.

"In 1997, just 2% of the science budget was controlled centrally, with the remainder handled by committees of scientific experts. But as a result of Gordon Brown's command and control approach, over 20% of science spending is now controlled from Whitehall. That is stifling innovation and creativity."

If the proposed funding cuts are approved Jodrell Bank could close.

Earlier this month Mr Osborne, 36, wrote to John Denham, Minister at the Department of Innovation, Universities and Skills, about Jodrell Bank.

In it, he said: "Astronomy is one of the most challenging and interesting fields of physics and Jodrell Bank has inspired many graduates and scientists who have now moved on to hi-tech businesses in the North West and the rest of the UK.

"The visitor centre at Jodrell Bank attracts 70,000 visitors a year, many of whom are schoolchildren. From a regional point of view, Jodrell Bank is one of the few major science facilities we have in the North of England. It is vital that this project remains in the region and is not lost to the nation as a whole."

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