Higher Education
30th January 2012
Dr Francis: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what recent discussions she has had with the (a) First Minister of the Welsh Government, (b) Higher Education Funding Council Wales and (c) Higher Education Wales on improving the overall levels of science and technology funding in Wales; and if she will make a statement;
(2) what recent discussions she has had with the (a) First Minister of the Welsh Government, (b) Higher Education Funding Council Wales and (c) Higher Education Wales on improving the overall levels of research and development funds in Wales; and if she will make a statement. [91905]
Mr David Jones: The Secretary of State for Wales, my right hon. Friend the Member for Chesham and Amersham (Mrs Gillan), and I have regular discussions with Welsh Ministers and public bodies in Wales about a range of matters relevant to Wales. These discussions have included research funding.
The Government are committed to protecting funding for science and research programmes in cash terms during the current spending review period. This includes over £2.5 billion per annum programme funding for the seven Research Councils which operate across the UK and demonstrates our commitment to promoting economic growth through innovation. I am keen for Wales to be at the heart of this and the issue will be discussed with Welsh businesses at the next meeting of the Wales Office Business Advisory Group.
