§ Mr. Martyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) when he expects to take a decision about the future of research councils; and if he will make a statement;
(2) whether he intends to consult with outside organisations about the recommendations in the Morris committee report about the future of research councils; and if he will make a statement;
(3) whether he will place a copy in the Library of the Morris committee report on the future of research councils.
Mr. JacksonThe review of research councils' responsibilities for biological sciences, undertaken by a group chaired by Mr. J. R. S. Morris, was commissioned by the Advisory Board for the Research Councils. I understand that the board intends to submit detailed advice to my right hon. Friend taking account of the research councils' comments on the review group's 797W recommendations, which it is currently eliciting. My right hon. Friend will be considering these matters later in the year in the light of the ABRC's advice.
A copy of Mr. Morris's report was placed in the Library last month.