§ Lord Harris of Greenwichasked Her Majesty's Government:
Which United Kingdom local authorities are being considered for support under the European Communities Fourth Framework research programme; what is the character of their applications; and what financial contribution has been offered by the Government.
The Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Earl Howe)All applications for support under the EC's Fourth Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development are made directly to the Commission of the European Communities, which is responsible for managing the process of appraisal and selection of projects for support. Information about these applications is not held centrally in the UK. We are aware that a number of applications have been made by UK local authorities in specific areas of the programme. These include telematics, where the applications deal with advanced information and communication systems for a wide range of purposes, non-nuclear energy, and transport. The framework programme is funded from the EC budget, to which the UK and other Member States contribute.