HC Deb 07 April 1981 vol 2 cc808-9
17. Sir David Price

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he is satisfied that basic scientific research in universities will not be diminished as a result of his proposals to reduce the funds allocated to the University Grants Committee.

Mr. Mark Carlisle

The detailed implications of the Government's expenditure plans on all aspects of university activities, including basic science research, are under discussion with the University Grants Committee.

Sir David Price

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that it will be extremely difficult to maintain the momentum of scientific research in our universities without some degree of earmarking of grants by the University Grants Committee?

Mr. Carlisle

A working party chaired jointly by the UGC and the advisory board for the Science Research Council is examining the current arrangement for the dual funding of research. I do not think that I can add to that at this stage.

Mr. Dalyell

Is the Secretary of State aware that, for example, while the physics department of the University of Hull is doing extremely distinguished work on lasers and the treatment of pre-malignant cervical cancer, it has not been able to appoint a new member of staff since 1968? Is not there a problem in that in many science departments whole groups of lecturers, senior lecturers and professors are ageing together? Should not something be done about getting a proper age structure in university science departments?

Mr. Carlisle

There is a lot in what the hon. Gentleman has said. I cannot comment on the individual case. A lot of people were taken on by the universities at a particular time, and the age structure of those teaching in universities is, therefore, not ideal. It means that vacancies for new teachers in universities are difficult to come by.

Mr. Ancram

I accept the general need for reductions, but is my right hon. and learned Friend aware of the genuine concern in universities, such as my local one in Edinburgh, that the speed at which the reductions are required will not allow for sensible changes to be made but will force quick savings that will be at the expense of departments such as the technical and scientific ones that we need?

Mr. Carlisle

I am aware that there is concern in the universities about the need to make savings. The need exists, but I am reviewing with the UGC the details of the proposals.

Dr. Bray

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that already the availability of equipment, research assistants and general support for research is so far below the standards that able researchers can get in the United States that it is becoming an increasingly great sacrifice for young scientists to remain in this country?

Mr. Carlisle

We have made no reductions in expenditure by the research councils.