§ Mr. Ron BrownTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has received any recent representations from the Animal Diseases Research Association about a reduction in research funding at its Edinburgh base; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythThe president of the association wrote to my right hon. and learned Friend on 28 February drawing attention to the alleged effects on work at the Moredun Research Institute of reductions in Government funding of near-market research.
751WThe position is that a programme of Government-funded research for 1989–90 amounting to £2.558 million has been agreed with the institute's director, based on his recommendations on scientific priorities taking account of the Government's policy to phase out public support of near-market R and D. Additional resources will be directed towards molecular biological and immunological work, which offers the best opportunities for faster progress in animal disease control and prevention. Other work of lower scientific priority will be terminated or reduced. The allocation of recurrent expenditure for 1989–90 compares with the allocation of £2.596 million in 1988–89. In addition, the institute received £0.166 million from the DAFS increased flexibility scheme, and will be eligible to enter further bids in 1989–90.