asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what has been the increase in spending by his Department on scientific research and development since 1979.

From 1979–80 to the current financial year 1986–87, spending on scientific research and development through the science budget and recurrent grant to universities has increased from about £700 million to over £1·2 billion in cash terms. Overall this represents an increase in real terms over the period of 6 per cent.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has received about his Department's expenditure on scientific research.

Further to the reply of my right hon. Friend the Member for Leeds, North-East (Sir K. Joseph) of 6 May 1986 to my hon. Friend at column 11, we have received an additional 105 representations.