§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what current contracts have been awarded to United Kingdom organisations under the EC marine science and technology (MAST) research and develop-ment programme 1989–92; and what benefits have accrued to the United Kingdom from participation in MAST.
§ Mr. EggarUnited Kingdom organisations are participating in 29 of the 46 contracts awarded under the EC MAST programme (1982–92), and are acting as co-ordinators in 11. Although it is too early to assess the scientific and technical outcomes, this reflects the value which the researchers themselves expect to derive. It is also consistent with the Government's efforts to involve themselves as fully as possible in decisions about the scope and content of EC research programmes, so that UK researchers can achieve the maximum return from the available funds.