HC Deb 17 May 1993 vol 225 cc5-6
4. Mr. Richards

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what steps he has taken to enhance the quality of research in the higher education sector in Wales; and if he will make a statement.

Sir Wyn Roberts

We have asked the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales to work with the higher education institutions in Wales to raise the quality of research. We have made an additional £2.9 million available in 1993–94, to enable the council to make a start on the task and to assist the former public sector institutions to establish research departments.

Mr. Richards

I welcome my right hon. Friend's statement, but can he tell us the total amount available for research into higher education in Wales?

Sir Wyn Roberts

Yes, it is about £35 million, which is rather more than the higher education sector secured from the Universities Funding Council last year. I am sure that my hon. Friend will agree that it is vital for the future well-being of the Welsh economy that we should concentrate on research and innovation and seek to apply it from the higher education sector to industry and business in Wales.