HC Deb 06 March 1996 vol 273 c229W
Mr. Simon Hughes

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what degree of independence the Medical Research Council has in determining the subjects of its research projects. [19173]

Mr. Ian Taylor

The responsibilities and powers of the Medical Research Council are as defined in the Science and Technology Act 1965 and its supplemental royal charter, dated 16 December 1993.

Mr. Hughes

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the statutory role of his Department or agencies of his Department in deciding the subjects of research projects conducted by the Medical Research Council. [19174]

Mr. Taylor

My statutory role in relation to the Medical Research Council is as set out in the Science and Technology Act 1965, as amended by the Transfer of Functions (Science) Order 1992 and the Transfer of Functions (Science) Order 1995.

Mr. Hughes

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations he has received alleging erosion of independence of the Medical Research Council by his Department or agencies of his Department. [19175]

Mr. Taylor

None.

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