§ Mr. Dormandasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what has been the total cost to public funds of cancer research for each of the years 1967–68, 1968–69 and 1969–70; what is the financial provision for each of the next three years; and to what agencies will such moneys be paid.
§ Mrs. ThatcherA single figure is not available. Some provision is made by the Health Departments and through the University Grants Committee funds but the major part is spent by the Medical Research Council whose direct expenditure is estimated as follows:
Financial year Estimated direct expenditure on cancer research £ million 1967–68 … … … 1.433 1968–69 … … … 1.465 1969–70 … … … 1.574 1970–71 … … … 2.166 Figures for later years have not yet been decided.
Most of this money is spent in the council's own establishments but grants are given to the Institute of Cancer Research, London, the Christie Hospital, Manchester and the Beatson Institute, Glasgow, as well as to university research workers. The council also pays the United Kingdom subscription to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (currently £80,000).
302W(2) by what amount the purchasing power of grants to university students has now fallen since 18th June, 1970.
§ Mr. van StraubenzeeGrants to students were increased in September, 1970. Following are the relevant figures: