§ 61. Mr. Norman Atkinsonasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the implications of Cmnd. 9428 for scientific research.
§ Mr. Peter BrookeThe plans set out in Cmnd. 9428 include provision for an additional £45 million over the next three years for scientific research funded through the research councils, the Royal Society, and the Fellowship of Engineering; and through the University Grants Committee. The additional resources for the research councils and so on—£11 million in 1985–86 and £8 million in each of the two following years — will primarily be used for capital equipment, restructuring and to fund more top quality research proposals from universities. The advisory board for the research councils has said that the additional funds will broadly maintain the present level of funding for the science Vote in 1985–86.
The additional resources for the universities — £4 million in 1985–86 and £7 million in each of the two following years—are to help to equip some of our most highly regarded university researchers to the highest standards.