Written question asked by Adam Ingram (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 13 November 1996. It was answered by Ian Taylor (Conservative) on Wednesday, 13 November 1996 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: What support has been provided to universities under the Joint Equipment Initiative; what were the targets set for the Initiative.

Answer: Mr. Ingram: To ask the President of the Board of Trade what support has been provided to universities under the joint equipment initiative; what were the targets set for the initiative; and if he will make a statement. [3689] Mr. Taylor: The awards to be made under the joint research equipment initiative have yet to be announced, so no figure is currently available for the support provided to universities under the initiative. The objectives of the scheme were as follows: To enable high-quality research relevant to the foresight generic science and technology priorities to be conducted with the equipment; To contribute more generally to the physical research infrastructure in higher education institutions; To promote partnership between higher education institutions and external sponsors of research, such as industry/commerce, charities, Government Departments, agencies and NHS trusts; To assist the funding councils, the Department of Education Northern Ireland and research councils in taking a strategic overview of the equipment needs of the UK higher education sector.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 3689; 285 c231W
Session: 1996-97
Subjects: Capital investment Equipment Higher education Technology Research Science