§ 26. Mr. Hirstasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what proportion of Britain's university research and development effort is supported currently by industry, business and educational foundations; and what was the comparable proportion in 1978–79.
§ Mr. WaldenAbout 13–5 per cent. in 1984–85 the latest: year for which all relevant figures are available. Comparable figures are not available for 1978–79.
§ 27. Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science which organisations and institutions have complained to him about the decline in research in universities; and what steps he is taking to reverse the decline.
§ Mr. WaldenMy right hon. Friend has received representations from a number of organisations and individuals about provision for research in universities. The Government have made available additional resources both for universities' recurrent grant and through the science budget. Our policy is to encourage those resources to be used selectively, in support of excellence.