§ Dr. KumarTo ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make a statement on the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council financial level of research studentships for postgraduate students. [52071]
§ Mr. Battle[holding answer 24 July 1998]: I am pleased to announce that additional funds are being made available to the Research Councils. As a result, from this Autumn, the minimum stipend for a Research Council student will be £6,455 which, for the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, is £1,000 above the previously planned level. The Government attach much importance to the investment which the Research Councils' provision for post graduate students represents.
The Research Councils will be publishing further details, and I will ensure that my hon. Friend receives a copy.