Research

Adam Afriyie
To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what the new research priorities referred to in Table 6.1 of the Budget 2009 Red Book are; and what steps his Department (a) has taken and (b) plans to take to consult the research community on the identification of these priorities.

Mr. Lammy
The priorities referred to in Table 6.1 of the Budget 2009 Red Book relate to the spending of £118 million of efficiency savings that the Research Councils achieved in 2008-09. In accordance with the Haldane Principle, detailed priorities are for the Research Councils, rather than DIUS, to decide. The research priorities for each Research Council can be found in their individual delivery plans.