HC Deb 10 May 1982 vol 23 cc185-6W
Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if, in order to extend the scope and scale of the scheme, he will make available financial support for the industrial research fellowship scheme at present to be financed by the Wolfson Foundation; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Butcher

The Department of Industry already provides financial support for research and development in industry. The amount in 1981–82 was about £100 million and this creates considerable employment for R & D workers. The Wolfson Foundation has not approached the Department for financial support in order to extend the scope and scale of the industrial research fellowship scheme.

Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Industry, if he will take steps to make the facilities of Government research establishments for which he is responsible available to those on the industrial research fellowship scheme being financed by the Wolfson Foundation.

Mr. Butcher

Directors of departmental research establishments are already authorised to accept visiting workers. Consideration would be given to appropriate applications from those on the industrial research fellowship scheme.