§ Dr. GibsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what resources have been earmarked for research start-up in new medical schools. [77488]
§ Margaret HodgeHigher education institutions themselves decide how to deploy the resources made available to them from the public purse. I understand some institutions have chosen to devote some of their share of the £1 billion science research investment fund to support new medical schools. Alongside this, the Department of Health has provided £4.25 million non-recurrent funding for NHS facilities to support research in the new medical schools in 2001–02, and is making arrangements to provide a further £9.25 million in 2002–03. From 2002–03 it is providing over £1 million in recurrent funding to mobilise NHS support for research at the schools. In addition, researchers at all medical schools and faculties of medicine are eligible to722W apply to the Medical Research Council for research funds. Awards are made according to their scientific quality and importance to human health.