§ Mr. PaiceTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is his Department's policy towards the recruitment of PhD students into research; and how the proposed changes in the funding of research departments will support this policy.
Mr. JacksonThe main objective of the Department's expenditure on the support of postgraduate research students is to secure an adequate supply of very highly qualified manpower for research in industry and academic institutions. This expenditure is administered by the research councils and the British Academy, which are best placed, in consultation with academic institutions and employers, to assess national needs for PhDs and to maintain the quality of postgraduate education and training.
The new funding arrangements to be introduced through the Universities Funding Council will help to improve management of resources for both teaching and research in universities. This will benefit all students, including PhD students.