§ 47. Mr. Wareingasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has received respecting the budget of the Medical Research Council.
§ Mr. BrookeOver the past three months the Department has received 43 written representations relating to the possible closure of some MRC units, reductions in the provision made for purchase of consumable items by others, and the non-funding of further work on infant lung surfactant. All such measures are related to the council's need to operate within its budget while continuing to initiate new programmes of high quality.
§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on his discussions about the future level of funding of the Medical Research Council's work in universities.
§ Mr. BrookeI understand that the Medical Research Council has recently informed the Advisory Board for the Research Councils that, inter alia, it wishes to preserve 109W support for the universities through its established schemes of grants and training awards, approximately at present levels; and to retain the necessary flexibility to be able to set up new units in universities and medical schools where it considers this to be the best strategy. My right hon. Friend has not, however, held discussions about the council's future level of funding since he considered the ABRC's most recent advice in late 1983.