§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the current cost estimate for restructuring the Agricultural and Food Research Council and the Natural Environment Research Council.
§ Mr. BrookeThe current estimates of the additional costs of restructuring the Agricultural and Food Research Council and the Natural Environment Research Council in the four years 1984–85 to 1987–88 are as follows:
Agricultural and Food Research Council Natural Environment Research Council £ million £ million 1984–85 3.3 0.25 1985–86 6.0 3.1 1986–87 6.7 5.15 1987–88 3.6 1.75 As my right hon. Friend announced on 10 January, the grants-in-aid for 1985–86 to the Agricultural and Food Research Council and the Natural Environment Research Council will be £50.3 million and £67.3 million respectively. These grants-in-aid include sums of £4.8 million and £1.25 million, respectively, which the Advisory Board for Research Councils intends for use in assisting these councils with their restructuring plans. The possibility of providing further special support for this purpose in 1986–87 and 1987–88 will be reviewed later this year.