HC Deb 18 October 1990 vol 177 cc883-4W
Mr. Maclennan

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) what representations he has received from higher education institutions about deficiencies in research equipment provision;

(2) what plans he has to assess the adequacy of research equipment in higher education institutions.

Mr. Alan Howarth

My right hon. Friend is generally advised in these matters by the Advisory Board for the Research Councils and by the higher education funding councils. Other representations relevant to equipment matters are received from time to time.

Mr. Maclennan

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what funds have been made available by the research councils for the purchase of research equipment in universities and polytechnics in each of the last two years.

Mr. Alan Howarth

In the financial years 1988–89 and 1989–90, the research councils made available £41,003,000 and £74,644,000 for the purchase of equipment in universities and polytechnics.

Mr. Maclennan

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what information he has about the finance which has been made available to universities and polytechnics for the purchase of research equipment by(a) charitable institutions and (b) industry in each of the last two years.

Mr. Alan Howarth

This information is not available centrally.