HC Deb 03 November 1975 vol 899 cc40-1W
Mrs. Bain

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many research projects are being undertaken by British universities in connection with the development of the North Sea oil industry; at which universities these are being undertaken; what expenditure the Government have incurred in funding such projects; and what financial commitments the oil companies have made in funding such projects.

Mr. Mulley

This information is not readily available and could not be obtained without disproportionate cost.

Mrs. Bain

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many new academic posts have been created since 1965 in British universities in order to pursue research into the development of the oil industry, at which universities these posts have been created; and how many further posts he expects to be created.

Mr. Mulley

Information is not available in my Department about posts created since 1965. I understand that in 1974 professors were appointed as follows:

  • Aberdeen University—Petroleum Geology.
  • Heriot-Watt University—Petroleum Engineering.
  • Imperial College—Petroleum Engineering.
  • Newcastle University—Energy Studies.

In addition, a chair in offshore engineering has been established at Heriot-Watt University, but the post has not yet been filled. The creation of academic posts is entirely a matter for the universities concerned.

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