§ Mr. Tebbitasked the Secretary of State for Trade what is the total sum expended from his Department's Vote upon science and technology; in what ways it is allocated; and how he ensures that such sums are spent wisely.
§ Mr. Clinton Davis£745,000 in 1976–7. The estimate for the current year is £692,000. These figures relate to the Department's expenditure on research in the aviation and marine fields, for example, into aircraft noise and ways of clearing offshore oil pollution. In addition, functions connected with international agreements on scientific and technological matters account for about £100,000 of the Department's annual provision for salaries and general administrative expenditure.
All my Departments projects are completely investigated before any funds are committed to them.
480Wtherefore determined centrally, but are allocated having regard to the overall economic needs and potential of the country concerned.
§ Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Secretary of State for Trade how much is being allocated to the English, Welsh and Scottish Tourist Boards, respectively, for 1977–78.
§ Mr. MeacherFollowing is the answer: