§ Mr. Leslie Huckfieldasked the Minister of Transport to what extent she is employing the resources of the universities in the development of her research 69W programme and in the planning of the transport network.
§ Mr. CarmichaelResearch in the universities and similar institutions is taken into account in developing our research programmes and in the transport planning process generally. Where appropriate, the department commissions research in universities. During the current financial year 16 such projects have been on commission, at a total cost of £122,000, covering a wide range of economic, scientific and technological subjects. Close working contacts are maintained with the Science Research Council and the Social Science Research Council, both of which consult the department on all grant applications from universities with transport relevance.