HC Deb 22 March 1994 vol 240 c125W
Mr. Llew Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the implications for environmental research of the merger of the EC Sprint and Valve programmes under the fourth framework programme 1994 to 1998.

Mr. Atkins

Until the Commission brings forward its formal proposal for the third activity-specific programme, it is not possible to assess the impact of the new arrangements. However, in negotiations on this programme, Her Majesty's Government will be looking to ensure that the strengths of the two former programmes —Sprint and Value—are sustained.