§ Mr. BerminghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what progress is being made in the framework programme; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Douglas Hogg[holding answer 8 November 1989]: I have been asked to reply.
I represented the United Kingdom meetings of the EC Council of Research Ministers on 18 September and 17 October which examined the Commission's proposal for a new framework programme for Community research and development for 1990–94. I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave on 2 November 1989 at Hansard column 274. The Council of Ministers is next due to consider the proposal on 15 December and further information will be given to the House following that Council.