§ Mr. Wareingasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he next intends to meet the National Economic Development Council to discuss research and development funding.
§ Mr. Giles Shaw[pursuant to the reply, 1 December 1986; c. 434]: I attended a meeting of the National Economic Development Council on Wednesday 3 December, although R & D was not discussed on this occasion.
The council has from time to time discussed research and development funding and my right hon. Friend and I anticipate that it will be covered in future meetings since R & D is an issue which is of great importance in improving United Kingdom industrial performance.