§ 41. Mr. Easthamasked 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. ButcherMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State hopes to attend the next meeting of NEDC on 4 February 1987. The council has from time to time discussed R and D funding and I anticipate that it will be discussed at future meetings since R and D is an issue which is of great importance to improving the United Kingdom's industrial performance.
§ 59. Mr. Rogersasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the current situation as regards research and development funding from his Department.
§ Mr. ButcherMy Department expects to spend £383 million on support for research and development in 1986–87 and plans to spend £412 million, £436 million and £445 million in the three succeeding years.