§ Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what criteria are used in the allocation of funding by the Higher Education Funding Council in the areas of science and technology; and if she will make a statement. [33169]
§ Mr. ForthThe Higher Education Funding Council for England allocates funds for science and technology research selectively to higher education institutions on the basis of competition. The main criterion is departments' relative strengths in research according to national and international standards, as measured in the periodic research assessment exercises. Other criteria include success in collaborating with industry and other users on research, leading to expertise and knowledge which can be used by higher education, industry and the community at large.