AN £18million cash injection towards life sciences received a mixed response.

As reported in later editions of the Evening Times, George Osborne said the UK City Deal cash will contribute to the £64m Stratified Medicine Imaging Centre at the new South Glasgow Hospitals.

But the Scottish Government was keen to point out it was a fraction of the total overall spend at the hospitals.

First Minister, Alex Salmond, although welcoming the money, said: "The Chancellor's £18m, is a valuable 1.8% of the £1000m we've invested at the hospitals.

"I suppose we should have a referendum every year, then we would get the Chancellor making announcements every year. Every drop in the bucket is very helpful."

However, the cash, which is hoped will help generate 30,000 jobs, was welcomed by council and business leaders.

Mr Osborne announced the cash allocation at the Commonwealth Games Business Conference at Glasgow University.

He said: "This is a hugely exciting new technology that has the potential to develop treatments for cancer, diabetes and dementia.

"It's a major investment."

Business leaders said the investment showed how the City Deal could create jobs

Stuart Patrick, Chief Executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said: "Life sciences is an area where research is now turning into economic opportunity

"The challenge before was turning it into jobs. Now it could mean thousands of jobs, and the support of both Scottish and UK Governments is very welcome."

Robert Calderwood, Chief Executive of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: "I am delighted that funding is now in place to secure this development which, will sit alongside some of the most advanced clinical facilities in Europe which are being provided by the Scottish Government."

stewart.paterson@ eveningtimes.co.uk