§ Mr. Higginsasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what was the cost to Her Majesty's Government in the last year of British participation in the European Organisation for Nuclear Research; what she expects the cost to be in the current year; whether the overall costs are checked by her Department; and if she is satisfied that these are not excessive.
§ Mrs. Shirley WilliamsThe United Kingdom subscription to CERN in the financial year 1977–78 amounted to £23.8 million. The Estimated figure for 1978–79 is £22.8 million. The accounts of the organisation are subjected to annual audit by external auditors appointed by the member States. The United Kingdom plays a full part in the very careful consideration given by member States to the budgets of the European Organisation for Nuclear Research—which have been falling in real terms for some years—in order to secure a satisfactory level of expenditure.