asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is his latest estimate of the current annual aggregate expenditure by his Department on research and development; and how it compares in real terms with the amount spent in 1978–79.

Aggregate expenditure on research and development by the Department in 1986–87 is estimated at £1,242 million. Expenditure in 1978–79 at 1986–87 prices was £1,136 million. In 1987–88, the expenditure is expected to exceed £1·3 billion.