Prime Minister Tony Blair today launched a pioneering new Science and Industry Council initiative aimed at turning cutting-edge research into commercial developments and creating jobs.

He conceded as he pledged the Government's support to scientific research that he had never been very good at science subjects in his school days, but said he had a massive interest in the scientific world and the benefits it could bring.

Mr Blair told guests at the launch, which was held at the Samsung electronics company's complex near his Sedgefield constituency: ''Let science tell us the facts and we will use our judgement and values on how to use those facts.

''At very level the most important thing is to get the message across that science does matter.

''It's crucial to our economic prosperity, our environment and how we protect our world.

''It's also important to understand how we can improve our quality of life, there's tremendous opportunities out there.

''To be absolutely honest about it I have always been useless at science, and I have always regretted that but have always been very committed to science and how fundamental it is to the future of our country.

''Every country that is serious about its economic future is looking at these issues now.

''They are making the investment in science.

''The tie-up between the academic world and business world is the link that is going to provide the means for translating many of these ideas.

''This is a very important step forward and we will be there with you as partners in this project.''

The Science and Industry Council initiative will see leading figures from the business and academic worlds join forces to explore scientific benefits.

The work will centre around digital technology and media, life sciences, nanotechnology, new and renewable energy and process industries.

Science Minister Lord Sainsbury unveiled a separate £20 million research programme to develop new technologies.

The Government-backed programme will fund partnerships between industry, universities and research organisations to investigate new basic technologies which can be commercially exploited.

The Government would provide £10 million over the next three years with a matching amount having to be provided by industries.

Lord Sainsbury said: ''The UK has a world class reputation for conducting research in a broad range of leading-edge technologies, but we need to widen the uptake by industry.

''This new programme will help to ensure that UK industry is aware of these emerging technologies and will take the necessary steps towards commercial exploitation.''

After leaving the Samsung complex, Mr Blair travelled to the University of Durham's Stockton Campus to look at an initiative to provide elderly people with affordable heating before embarking on a number of constituency visits later this afternoon.