§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what support he is giving to the Esprit research and development programme; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RifkindWe have played our full part in encouraging United Kingdom firms to participate in the pilot stage of the European strategic plan for research in information and technology programme, with very successful results. Together wth our Community partners, we are now discussing arrangements for the main programme, including the budgetary considerations to which I referred in my reply to the hon. Member on 23 January.—[Vol. 52, c.395.]