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

George Osborne said the UK City Deal cash will contribute to the £64 million 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 £18 million, is a valuable 1.8 per cent of the £1,000 million 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. "

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

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 for the city and surrounding area. 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 in place to secure this development which will sit alongside some of the most advanced clinical facilities in Europe being provided by the Scottish government."