Research and Development

HC Deb 28 October 1986 vol 103 cc92-3W

12. Mr. Hirst

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will estimate the level of direct financial support from industry and commerce for research and development in Britain's higher education establishments; how this compares with the European and United States experience; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Walden

Universities' income from British industry and commerce for research and development in 1984–85 totalled £47 milion, compared with £23 million in 1981–82. Comparable figures for the public sector of higher education and for other countries are not available. However, in the wider context of gross domestic expenditure on R and D, some 40 per cent. of UK expenditure is financed by industry, compared with about 50 per cent. and 60 per cent. in the United States and the Federal Republic of Germany respectively.