§ 80. Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is his policy towards the funding of research in the light of the speech by Sir James Lighthill FRS at the first annual general meeting of Save British Science, a copy of which has been sent to him; and if he will provide additional funds earmarked to enable universities to appoint new young people to their staff.
Mr. JacksonThe Government's policy for research is set out in Cmnd 9849, Cm 114 and Cm 185. We are committed to maintaining and enhancing the strength and quality of the science base. To this end, we are seeking to encourage greater concentration and selectivity of research activities, closer and better working with industry and commerce, more funding from private sector sources, better management yielding greater value for money, and increased flexibility enabling faster responses to new scientific opportunities. I was pleased to see that in his speech Sir James Lighthill was broadly supportive of these objectives. As regards new appointments, I announced on 3 November the provision of additional funds for universities, including £155 million over three years for a targeted programme of restructuring, in which some "new blood" appointments will feature.