Business Secretary Vince Cable today confirmed that plans to create a technology and innovation centre in Malvern will get ‘very careful consideration’. Dr Cable was responding to a question placed in the House of Commons by West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin. The county MP asked for an update on the plans to create a technology and innovation centre to carry on important research work previously carried out by QinetiQ. The Government’s Technology Strategy Board has a £220 million fund to help regions to set up research centres across the UK. Speaking today, Harriett said that the ’funding for technology and innovation centres is extremely welcome’ and asked for an update on representations made by the Malvern scientific community to create a dedicated research centre. Dr Cable replied: “The technology and innovation centres are proving extremely welcome in the research community because they represent the bridge between academic research and business application. I am sure that the one in her constituency will be very carefully considered by the TSB.” Speaking after the debate, Harriett added: “Plans to create a Technology and Innovation Centre in Malvern have gone through a number of evolutions and I am pleased that we are still in the running. “I think it is very important to get the message out to the business community that we are working hard in Government to try and find opportunities for research to continue to thrive in Malvern and the surrounding areas.” | Hansard