§ Mr. IngramTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the current level of support for the Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research and that for each of the last 10 years, at current prices. [4730]
§ Mr. BoswellThe Institute of Grassland and Environment Research was not established until 1989. Using the gross domestic product deflator—1995–96 = 100—as provided by the Treasury, payments474W made to the institute by the Ministry, at constant prices, in respect of research and development projects are as follows:
£000 1990–91 10.8 1991–92 8.1 1992–93 7.7 1993–94 7.8 1994–95 7.6 1995–96 7.4 1996–971 6.7 1Estimate only.
§ Mr. IngramTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what plans he has to alter the current level of support for the Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research; and if he will make a statement; [4732]
(2) if he will list the projected level of support for the Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research in current prices for the next three financial years. [4731]
§ Mr. BoswellThe Ministry funds research to support its policies, and regularly appraises its research programme and the funding arrangements it has with contractors to ensure policy needs are met.
Final figures on Ministry funding at the Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research for 1997–98 and beyond are not yet available, but it is apparent that the level is likely to be reduced. IGER has been made aware that certain projects coming to the end of their contracts in March 1997 will not be renewed. These decisions follow full and detailed review and represent re-prioritisation of the programme. Some of the funding released will be redirected to other priorities but some will go to open competition in the same area, thereby providing opportunities for IGER to submit new research proposals and bid for further funding.