§ Lord PestonMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question standing in my name on the Order Paper.
§ The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will provide additional funds for research in basic science.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Education and Science (Baroness Hooper)My Lords, my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science announced on 3rd November 1987, additional funds for research in basic science in 1988–89 and the two subsequent years. Funding for scientific research in 1989–90 to 1991–92 will be reviewed by the Government in this year's public expenditure survey.
§ Lord PestonMy Lords, I thank the noble Baroness for her Answer. May I remind her—
§ Lord PestonMy Lords, does the Minister recall the debate we had in November, just following that statement, in which all sides of the House expressed strong support for basic science and suggested that it might be a good idea to review the expenditure statement of her right honourable friend the Secretary of State? Is there any likelihood of urgent action to meet the needs of science, which are so important for our country's future?
§ Baroness HooperMy Lords, when studying the advisory board's report, the Government are considering any additional resources that may be required. They are well aware of the debate and the comments made by your Lordships during it.