§ 23. Mr. HealdTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what plans he has to take forward the National Week of Science Engineering and Technology.
§ Mr. David HuntI am delighted to announce that the National Week of Science Engineering and Technology 1995 will be from 17 to 26 March.
§ Mr. HealdDoes my right hon. Friend agree that this year's week was a staggering success, in the words of the New Scientist, that his announcement will be a huge boost for science in Britain and that organisations such as the Chemical Industries Association, which has been arguing 16 for better promotion of science, will be very pleased and satisfied to hear of the Government's commitment to British science?
§ Mr. HuntTwo points—first, I have authorised grants of £190,000 in total to the British Association for the Advancement of Science and the Committee on the Public Understanding of Science and I believe that the week will be a tremendous success. Secondly, I agree with my hon. Friend that Britain is a world leader in chemistry. In the current financial year, we have authorised a further £4.5 million, making a total of £22 million being spent on chemistry research.