§ 21. Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what recent representations he has received on the effect of financial cuts on university science departments.
§ Mr. WaldegraveMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has received a number of representations about the adverse effect on some university science departments of reductions in funding, including representations from the Association of Scientific, Technical and Managerial Staffs, on whose behalf a number of hon. Members, including the hon. Member for West Lothian (Mr. Dalyell), came to see me recently.
§ Mr. DalyellHow do the Minister and the Prime Minister—since she is responsible for science—answer the sustained and blistering attack of the vice-chancellor of Edinburgh university, who, in front of 3,000 graduates, accused the Government of having an appalling record over university science departments?
§ Mr. WaldegraveThe answer lies in the very considerable resources spent, including the large sums that have recently been tied to new developments in biotechnology, of which the Government are proud.