§ Mr. Batisteasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether the United Kingdom is utilising its full allocation of research and development funds from the European Community; and whether he proposes any changes in procedure for the submission of applications for such funds, particularly by British universities.
§ Mr. ButcherContracts for EC research and development programmes are awarded by the Commission without reference to member states' Governments, and are sought by a wide range of organisations from both the private and public sectors in all member states. Information issued by the Commission on contracts awarded does not permit an analysis based upon shares received by member states. However, we think that the organisations in the United Kingdom received a satisfactory proportion of Community R & D contracts. I am not aware of any present need to seek changes in the Commission's tendering procedure.