§ 81. Mr. Hirstasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is his latest estimate of the amount of funds which British universities have attracted in the current financial year from commercial sponsors for research and development projects; what was the comparable figure in 1978–79; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DunnIn 1984–85, the most recent year for which comprehensive figures are available, universities received £47 million in research grants and contracts from United Kingdom industry. This compares with an equivalent income of £23 million in 1981–82, the first year this information was collected. The Government welcome this increase but note that research income from industry still amounts to only just over 2 per cent. of total university income and thus believe there is scope for further significant increases.