Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Brian Iddon (Labour). It was answered on Thursday, 4 March 2010 on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

University Funding

Question: Will my right hon. Friend ensure that when the research money is allocated there is no further concentration of funding, for example, on the Russell group? Will he confirm that all centres of excellence in research, wherever they may be found across the university system, including in the superb materials science group in the university of Bolton—my own university—are considered equally for funding with the top-level research universities?

Answer: Drawing on his tremendous experience, my hon. Friend continues to champion science and research issues in this House. He is absolutely right to say that we should fund excellence wherever it is found, and that is the Government's policy.

Secondary information