§ Mr. Patrick Thompsonasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what progress was made at the meeting of the Research Council of the European Community Ministers on 8 April; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PattieThe EC Research Council met in Luxembourg on 8 April. I represented the United Kingdom. In a discussion of the Community's 1987 to 1991 research framework there was general agreement that emphasis should be given to R and D to increase industrial competitiveness. Several member states, including the United Kingdom, questioned the unrealistically high level of finance proposed. The United Kingdom emphasised the need for clear criteria for Community programmes, and for the establishment of action priorities. The United Kingdom, supported by other member states, called for a thorough review of the role of the Community's joint research centre in the new industry-oriented programme. The Council accepted a number of changes requested by the European Parliament to the materials and environment programmes agreed last December, but maintained the previously decided funding levels.