HC Deb 06 May 1986 vol 97 c11
11. Mr. Soames

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has received on the science part of his Department's budget.

Sir Keith Joseph

I have received 230 representations, all urging more public spending on basic scientific research.

Mr. Soames

In view of the increasingly unsatisfactory way in which the Government administer the science budget, does my right hon. Friend agree that there should be a Minister in his Department whose sole responsibility it would be to pull together all the strands of the science budget in the Government's spending programme?

Sir Keith Joseph

If my hon. Friend's suggestion would mean an improvement, it would deserve careful consideration. The Government delegate to the research councils and the universities the decisions about how to spend the allocation of taxpayers' money. That is a continuing process. We do not need a Minister especially devoted to science to achieve that.

Mr. Pavitt

When did the Secretary of State last discuss this matter with the chairman of the Medical Research Council? In view of its latest report, is he aware that problems have arisen because of short funding of the clinical research centre at Northwick Park hospital, which is funded jointly by the Medical Research Council and the North-West Thames board?

Sir Keith Joseph

I would see the chairman of any research council who asked to see me. Normally, I receive advice through the chairman of the Advisory Board on the Research Councils. There has been almost an explosion of research possibilities in almost every area. It would be almost impossible for any Government to fund the complete implementation of them all.

Dr. Bray

Is the Secretary of State aware that, increasingly, many industrialists, including the newly appointed science adviser to the Cabinet Office, Mr. John Fairclough, have said that the tightness of funding on basic science and the cut in university science are gravely undermining our science base and that the diversion into applied research is selling out Britain for the long term?

Sir Keith Joseph

I am aware of the widespread sense of dissatisfaction, but the hon. Gentleman must accept that one difference between us and our neighbours in northwest Europe is that industry here contributes far less than it does in neighbouring countries to scientific research. That is another factor that must be borne in mind.