§ Dr. HampsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many bids for support were received by 29 April in response to the initiative of the Computer Board for Universities and Research Councils on equipment donations to universities; what was the total value of bids submitted; how many external sponsors for projects were involved in the bids; what is the number of bids in which each external sponsor is involved; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. JacksonThe initiative was designed to encourage the donation, loan or sale on special terms of computing and communications equipment to universities. The aim is to enhance the existing equipment base in these areas. A scheme of matching support was adopted whereby universities were invited to bid for grants to cover the maintenance costs of equipment made available through the initiative. By the closing date of 29 April for the first round of assessment, 23 bids had been received from 14 universities covering additional equipment valued at an approximate total price of £3,500,000. This valuation takes into account normal educational discounts: the list price would be significantly higher. The number of external sponsors was 15; of these one was involved in four bids, five in two bids and the remaining nine in one bid each. Universities have also been invited to bid in a second round of the initiative, the closing date for applications being 28 October 1988.