Written question asked by Ashok Kumar (Labour) on Friday, 13 March 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 17 March 2009. It was answered by David Lammy (Labour) on Tuesday, 24 March 2009 on behalf of the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills.

Science: Research

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what recent steps he has taken to promote scientific research in universities in (a) England, (b) the North East and (c) Tees Valley district.

Answer: Government investment in science and research is at record levels, and will reach just under £6 billion by 2010-11. Much of this funding is allocated to universities.This takes Government support for the UK's research base to its highest ever level and will enable the UK to maintain its leading position in research excellence, as well as helping to build a stronger economy.Funding is allocated on the basis of research excellence, not geographical location.In 2006-07, Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) recurrent research grants and Research Council grants to universities in England totalled £2.3 billion, of which £97 million went to universities in the north-east."Source:""Higher Education Statistics Agency, Resources of Higher Education Institutions 2006-07)"

Secondary information