§ Mr. Geraint Howellsasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the educational establishments in Wales currently involved in research work under contract from his Department; how many personnel are involved; when these contracts were established; for how long they will continue; and what is the nature and cost of the contract projects at each location.
§ Mr. PattieI refer the hon. Gentleman to a list, placed in the House of Commons Library on 21 June—vote entry 705, line 4—which shows all research studies placed by the Ministry of Defence at British universities and polytechnics from 1979 to 1981, together with the estimated cost in each case. Two of the studies shown in the list have now terminated; but the following additional studies, initiated before 1979 or after 1981, are taking place at the University of Wales—estimated costs shown in brackets in £000s:
- The Behaviour of Pressed 1'lates on Girder Webs under Combined Loading Stress (35)
- Investigation of Running-In and Scuffing Failure of Gears (35)
- Health and Safety Aspects of Chemicals (45)
- Cathodic Protection in Closed Marine Environments (75)
- Spray Preened Blade Coatings (90)
- Microstructures of DS002 (20)
The duration of university research studies depends on a number of considerations, among which is the progress of the research in question. In general, studies are for two or three years in the first instance, with the possibility of 169W subsequent extension. One of the studies listed above has been in progress since 1975. A total of 15 full-time research workers are involved at the University of Wales.