Letter: John Major interview: future of Europe and manufacturing industry

Sir: We were delighted to read ('Major sets out his revolutionary credentials,' 4 March) about John Major's revolution. It has been a long wait.

But building a competitive manufacturing industry based on new, leading-edge technologies will not be achieved without the scientists and engineers with the ideas and knowledge, and will require substantial increases in investment in civil research and development by both government and industry.

One of the essential foundations is a thriving and diverse science base to underpin research in industry; to advance knowledge; to stimulate our youth to choose careers as scientists and engineers; to train those who will go into industry and those who will become the leaders of tomorrow's research.

The promised White Paper on Science and Technology will test the 'revolution' for its seriousness of purpose.

Yours faithfully,

JOHN MULVEY

Executive Secretary

The Save British Science Society

Oxford