§ Mr. CryerTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether the Science and Engineering Research Council(a) currently or (b) has sought permission to fund scientific research in European Community countries by non-United Kingdom national scientists.
§ Mr. Alan HowarthThe Science and Engineering Research Council cooperates scientifically on a bilateral and multilateral basis with scientists in a wide range of countries. including EC countries. Research supported will frequently involve collaborative working by scientists from a range of countries. Decisions of this kind are matters for the council's scientific judgment and will rarely involve formal consultation with this Department. Further information on SERC's current activities can be obtained from the council's most recent annual report, a copy of which I am sending to the hon. Member.