§ Mr. Austin Mitchellasked the Prime Minister how much money Her Majesty's Government have contributed directly or indirectly for collective research by the European Economic Community since 1979; what commitments they have made for future contributions; and what evidence she has of the cost-effectiveness of research (a) financed collectively by the European Economic Community and (b) financed by Her Majesty's Government.
§ The Prime MinisterThe European Community's R and D programme provides funds for work carried out in the Community's own research establishments; work done in the establishments of member states on the basis of shared costs; and concerted action involving member states' own programmes. Between 1979 and 1986 the United Kingdom's gross contribution to successive Community budgets averaged some 21.7 per cent; it is not possible to attribute the United Kingdom's net budgetary contribution to particular Community activities such as research. In assessing the cost-effectiveness of R and D sponsored by the Community, the Government apply the same criteria as in the case of nationally sponsored programmes. British industry, universities and research institutions benefit considerably from R and D directly funded by the Community and carried out collaboratively.