§ Sir Trevor Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science by how much he estimates the cost of scientific equipment has on average moved ahead of the current rate of inflation; and whether the allocation to the University Grants Committee and Advisory Board for Research Councils will be increased to cover the difference.
§ Mr. WaldenThe Advisory Board for the Research Councils estimates that the increasing sophistication of scientific equipment and materials adds an average 10 per cent. a year to their cost over and above average inflation. The allocation of funds for distribution on the advice of the University Grants Committee and the Advisory Board for the Research Councils will be reviewed during the year as part of the annual public expenditure survey. I cannot yet say what the outcome will be. However, the Government's science budget has actually increased in real terms—by 6 per cent. between 1981–82 and 1985–86 measured against average inflation—and on present plans will broadly maintain its value to the end of the decade. The Government's expenditure plans also provide in addition to the £4 million a year for this purpose in the current year, for a further £30 million over the three years 1986–87 to 1988–89 to increase the amount available for the improvement of equipment in selected centres of research in the universities.