HC Deb 29 April 1999 vol 330 c468
10. Mrs. Anne Campbell (Cambridge)

In what ways the additional funding for research announced in the comprehensive spending review will be used by the universities. [81524]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education and Employment (Mr. George Mudie)

The substantial investment in research announced as a result of the CSR, totalling some £1.4 billion over three years, will allow research in universities to be transformed. It will allow for institutions to invest in the modern equipment and infrastructure needed to maintain the United Kingdom's world-class science base.

Mrs. Campbell

The additional money is welcome after 18 years of miserable Tory neglect. Will my hon. Friend give an assurance that universities, such as Cambridge, that already have a world-beating record in research will benefit from the extra money? When will an announcement be made about the allocation of funds as a result of the joint infrastructure fund bid?

Mr. Mudie

I thank my hon. Friend for accompanying me during my visit to her constituency this week, and for introducing me to so many committed professionals who are delivering such an excellent service to the people of Cambridge.

In answer to her question, the university of Cambridge has already received £3 million for the Babraham Institute and there will be a decision about the other funds in May.