BIOMED 2 Grant Applications

HC Deb 18 April 1995 vol 258 cc8-9W

Mr. Wigley

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the European Commission concerning the difficulties being experienced with the Directorate General XII in Brussels with regard to accessing English language proposal forms for BIOMED 2 grant applications; and if he will make a statement. [18880]

Mr. David Hunt

I have been asked to reply. The Office of Science and Technology is responsible for the oversight of the management of this programme.

United Kingdom officials have on many occasions expressed concern to the Commission about the fact that too few English language forms are made available for applicants. Forms for the recent call for proposals ran out in mid-February. Additional forms were made available early March. My officials have again urged the Commission to make better estimates of demand in future.