A fresh investment of £1.3 billion in science and technology was brought forward as Gordon Brown sought to calm fears that the Government was losing its enthusiasm for basic research.

Though science spending has more than doubled since 1997 and further increases were expected in the next spending review, research scientists were outraged last month by a decision by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to cut £98 million from its budget.

The money was diverted from science to cover the collapse of Rover and other overspending, breaking the principle that research funding is ring-fenced. The cuts mean that hundreds of grants will not be awarded next year, and led many scientists to doubt ministers’ commitment to science.

The Chancellor’s decision to announce the next phase of science spending increases in advance of the spending review was interpreted widely as an effort to reassure researchers that last month’s cuts would not be repeated. Peter Cotgreave, director of the Campaign for Science and Engineering, said: “By announcing an increase in the science budget, Gordon Brown has made it clear he is not really happy with the Trade Secretary’s decision to cut funding for science.”

Total spending on science from both the education and trade and industry budgets will rise from £5 billion in this financial year to £6.3 billion by 2010-11, a 25 per cent increase.

Scientists also welcomed an increased research and development tax credit for industry, especially as it was included alongside a cut in corporation tax and not instead of it. There was disappointment, however, that no package was announced to offset the DTI cuts for the coming year.

Alistair Darling, the Trade and Industry Secretary, said: “This is a strong vote of confidence in British research.”

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