RSC gives budget cautious welcome

Royal Society of Chemistry chief executive Dr Richard Pike's statement following the budget: 

"At this time of significant competing pressures it is encouraging to see the Government is maintaining its commitment to science, and the Royal Society of Chemistry looks forward to being involved in the detailed implementation of government strategy.

"However, scrutiny of the figures shows that the science budget remains a fixed proportion of projected GDP. More is needed now, because in these times of extraordinary circumstances - climate change and rising global competition - extraordinary measures are demanded. 

"To meet these challenges and others, including energy provision, the science community is seeking to work even closer with Government and industry. In order for Britain to hold pole position it needs a more powerful funding engine, coupled with good education and research, and this comes down to having a sustained financial commitment. 

"We hope that other funds promised by the Chancellor will bring about tangible results in schools, with appropriately qualified science teachers and high-standard laboratories as today's young scientists will be needed to meet tomorrow's challenges