HC Deb 03 May 1973 vol 855 cc351-2W
Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what financial help the Government are to give towards developing the work of the Hester Adrian Research Centre in Manchester; and if he will make a statement.

Sir K. Joseph

The Government are providing financial help towards developing the work of the Hester Adrian Research Centre in a number of ways.

My Department is meeting the shortfall in the centre's accounts for the years 1971 and 1972. This will come to near £40,000.

With the agreement of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science, I told the University Vice-Chancellor in 1971 that each of our Departments would expect to identify and support research projects. Two projects which together will attract Government support of about £100,000 are under way, a third has been approved in principle and a fourth is under consideration.

My right hon. Friend also agreed to share annually with my Department the cost of matching pound for pound contributions from other sources up to £25,000 over five years.

My Department is also having preliminary discussions with the university which I hope will be extended at an appropriate stage to include the Department of Education and Science, the Social Science Research Council and charitable bodies about longer-term financial support of senior research posts at the centre.