BOLTON West MP Chris Green has expressed concern the government's new points-based immigration system might deter young scientists from coming to the UK.

Speaking in a House of Commons debate on the government;''s Medicines and Medical Devices Bill he said the impact of the new framework would have to be kept under review.

Mr Green said: " Bringing more people to the UK with PhDs and science, technology, engineering and maths qualifications ought to enhance our life sciences sector."

SNP health spokeswoman Dr Philippa Whitford asked him: "Do you recognise young graduates with a degree or a PhD, technologists and researchers often do not earn more than the threshold the Government have set for a visa?"

Mr Green said: "That is a significant concern. The government has reduced the starting point in the Immigration Bill from £30,000 to about £25,000 and I believe the points-based system will have the flexibility we require, but those areas should be judged and reviewed as time goes on"