10-11-06: Lord Sainsbury retires from the DTI

Tributes paid as Lord Sainsbury announces his retirement

The Prime Minister has paid tribute to Lord Sainsbury after he announced his intention to retire as Minister for Science and Innovation.

Lord Sainsbury told Tony Blair that after ‘eight enjoyable years’ at DTI, it was time for him to resume his business and charitable activities. The Prime Minister described Lord Sainsbury as ‘a huge asset to this Government and the country’ and said the minister had ‘worked tirelessly to push the case for science’.

Meanwhile, Malcolm Wicks will move from his role in energy to become science minister, with Secretary of State Alistair Darling taking over leadership of the energy brief and will be assisted by Lord Truscott.

Mr Blair said: “David Sainsbury has been a valued colleague, for whom I have the highest regard. He has been a huge asset to this Government and the country.”

“It is in no small part down to him that this country’s science base is in better shape than for decades – something of vital importance for this country’s future.

“His contribution to Government will have a huge impact in future decades and we owe him a real debt of gratitude.”

Lord Sainsbury joined DTI as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Science and Innovation in July 1998, with responsibility for the Office of Science and Technology, Research Councils and space policy.

He said: “I feel very privileged to have served in the present Government, which I believe has been the best in recent British history. I am proud of what we have achieved in terms of funding properly our world-class scientists and engineers, in improving the rate of innovation and knowledge transfer and in putting science and innovation at the centre of policy-making.”

Lord Sainsbury has agreed to carry out a review of science and innovation policies across government – taking a forward look at what needs to be done to ensure the UK’s success in wealth creation and scientific policy-making. He will report to the Chancellor and the Secretaries of State at DTI and the Department for Education and Skills.

Alistair Darling paid tribute to Lord Sainsbury’s achievements and said he looked forward to working with him in his new role.

The Secretary of State said: “He has been a champion of science and innovation. He has made a significant contribution to science policies and has seen the annual science budget increase from £1.3 billion to £3.4 billion during his eight years in government.

“He has driven forward entrepreneurship and innovation at our universities: The last three years have seen 25 university spinouts floated with a market value of 1.5 billion. He has the respect of the scientific and business community and I very much look forward to continuing to work with him in his new role.”