HC Deb 05 December 1988 vol 143 cc68-9W
Ms. Primarolo

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what sources of funding are available for research in veterinary schools.

Mr. Sainsbury

The MOD has funds available for research in support of the Defence research programme, including extramural research work at higher education institutions. At present there are no agreements placed with veterinary schools.

Ms. Primarolo

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if classified research is carried out for his Department in British universities;

(2) what approximate proportion of the published results of research funded by his Department is classified;

(3) if the results of the research into aerobiology being undertaken by his Department at Bristol university will be shared with other nations;

(4) what are the research objectives of his Department in the field of aerobiology.

Mr. Sainsbury

My Department's sole objective in carrying out research into aerobiology is to provide information which should assist in the provision of effective protective measures against the threat that chemical or biological weapons might be used against the United Kingdom armed forces. Work carried out at universities is generally not classified and publication is a matter for the universities concerned.

Ms. Primarolo

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the figures for funding of research by his Department in British universities over each of the past five years.

Mr. Sainsbury

Expenditure over each of the last five years on research with British universities and further education establishments is as follows:

£ million
11984–85 10
11985–86 13
11986–87 15
21987–88 15
21988–89 16
1 Actual.
2 Estimated.

Ms. Primarolo

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the total budget of his Department for research.

Mr. Sainsbury

In 1988–89 we expect to spend a net total of £403 million on research.

Ms. Primarolo

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the total current annual funding for research by his Department in British universities.

Mr. Sainsbury

In 1988–89, we expect to spend £16 million on research with British universities and further education establishments.

Ms. Primarolo

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what projects in British universities his Department currently is funding in the field of aerobiology; and what further projects he expects to fund.

Mr. Sainsbury

The Chemical Defence Establishment has no projects currently placed with universities or other higher education institutions in the field of aerobiology. There is one proposal being considered.