§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to spend more money in the universities on research.
§ Mr. Norman LamontOur aim is to increase defence spending on research work in universities and other institutions of higher education to at least £15 million a year.
§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Defence what estimates he has for spending to date under the scheme for joint research grants for work of scientific merit as relevant to defence, in concert with the research council.
§ Mr. Norman LamontNo expenditure has yet been incurred from defence funds. Spending is expected to build up during the present financial year but it is not possible at this stage to predict to what level.
§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for greater collaboration with the academic sector in the provision and use of research facilities.
§ Mr. Norman LamontA joint capital investment review body has been set up, and information exchange on available and planned facilities is proceeding. Applications for joint research grants may, subject to availability, include the use of Ministry of Defence research facilities, and possibilities of wider use are being studied.
§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to encourage co-operation in the research field between higher education and industry on defence-related matters.
§ Mr. Norman LamontThe Government wishes to encourage co-operation in defence-related research between industry and higher education. We are currently studying the best ways of achieving this.