§ Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has in respect of funding for capital equipment for university research; and if he will make a statement. [15378]
§ Mr. Ian Taylor[holding answer 11 February 1997]: There is to be second round of the joint research equipment initiative involving the research councils, funding councils and the Department of Education for Northern Ireland. In last year's initiative, public funds of around £25 million were matched by funds from industry and other sponsors to yield a total sum for university equipment of £50 million, with 175 projects supported in over 50 institutions.
The details of the second round are currently being finalised, but the aim again is to provide some £50 million for equipment in 1997–98 with the help of industry and other sponsors.