HC Deb 19 December 1994 vol 251 c887W
Mrs. Anne Campbell

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what was the total annual amount paid by each of the research councils in research stipends.

Mr. Robert G. Hughes

In 1993–94, the Agricultural and Food Research Council spend £2.2 million, the Economic and Social Research Council £6.9 million, the Medical Research Council £7.6 million, the Natural Environment Research Council £6.3 million and the Science and Engineering Research Council £53.7 million.

Mrs. Anne Campbell

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many research students made grant applications for the year 1993–94; how many were accepted and began their courses; and how many were refused.

Mr. Robert G. Hughes

The Economic and Social Research Council received 5,050 applications. The other councils did not collect data on the number of applications, which were made directly to course supervisors, but universities reported no shortage of applicants. The numbers taking up awards were: Agricultural and Food Research Council, 108; ESRC, 895; Medical Research Council, 439; Natural Environment Research Council, 530; and Science and Engineering Research Council, 4,845.

Mrs. Anne Campbell

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what was the annual amount paid to research students by each of the research councils and the number of students in each category.

Mr. Robert G. Hughes

The figures for 1993–94 were: Agricultural and Food Research Council, £6,200 and 318; Economic and Social Research Council, £4,720 and 1,486; Medical Research Council, £6,145 and 1,071; Natural Environment Research Council, £4,950 and 1,190; and the Science and Engineering Research Council, £4,720 and 10,636. The councils supplemented the stipends for London and second and third year students and for those involved in collaborative projects with industry.

Mrs. Anne Campbell

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list the criteria by which each of the research councils decide which category of stipend each research student receives.

Mr. Robert G. Hughes

A student receives the stipend advertised by the council for the type of studentship for which he or she has applied.