Economic and Social Research Council

HL Deb 15 September 2003 vol 652 cc157-8WA

Lord Howell of Guildford

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will list the outputs, results and public benefits which flow from the research expenditure of £58 million by the Economic and Social Research Council in 2002–03. [HL4268]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Trade and Industry (Lord Sainsbury of Turville)

It is too early to expect outcomes from investments made in research activities funded during 2002–03. It is in the nature of investment in research that it will take a number of years for the outputs to arise and their outcome and benefit to be evident.

The ESRC annual report (which was laid before both Houses of Parliament on 17 July 2003) provides a review of the work and investments of the ESRC during 2002–03. It includes information about the outcome and benefits arising from previous investments.

The ESRC REGARD database (www.regard.ac.uk) contains details of outputs arising from ESRC support. This registers some 1.000 reports from ESRC investments each year.

The ESRC operating report for 2002–03 (to be published shortly) will report on the performance of ESRC against detailed operating targets for the year.