HC Deb 06 June 1985 vol 80 cc238-9W
Dr. Roger Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what has been the level of financing to the Medical Research Council in each of the last five years for which information is available.

Sir Keith Joseph

I have been asked to reply.

The Medical Research Council's allocation from the science budget in each of the last five years has been as follows:

£m
1981–82 101.5
1982–83 107.5
1983–84 113.7
1984–85 117.2
1985–86
(estimated) 122.3

Dr. Roger Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for the Social Services what Medical Research Council research projects have been either abandoned or severely restricted as the result of financial restraints in each of the past three years; and if he will indicate the locations of such affected projects.

Sir Keith Joseph

I have been asked to reply.

I understand from the Medical Research Council that, over the past three years, the number of high quality. university research grant applications approved by the council but not funded as a result of financial restraints was as follows:

Academic year Long-term support applications (normally five years or more Short-term support applications (normally three years)
1981–82 nil 66
1982–83 2 25
1983–84 22 199

In addition, many grants were awarded only after severe pruning. No details are available concerning the projects and locations involved.

Reductions in capital and consumable equipment budgets of MRC's institutes in 1983–84 and 1984–85 resulted in some restriction on their work. I understand also that the rate of progress of some major initiatives has been less than the council would have wished.