Public Expenditure: Investment in Science

Debate between Lord McAvoy and Baroness Wilcox

Wednesday 22nd December 2010 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Wilcox]

I will talk first about the Medical Research Council. I think there was a question in there about the budget. We have taken into account the fact that we expect the MRC to have additional commercial income from patent licensing et cetera, which will reduce the amount of headline budget increase. I understand the noble Lord’s worries. I think I can commit us to spending as it is now but no further.

[Lord McAvoy]

My Lords, can the Minister give us an assessment of the damage done to the credibility of the Government’s programme of cuts by the expressions of opposition to it by their own Liberal Ministers Webb, Moore and Cable?

[Baroness Wilcox]

I am sorry, my Lords—none whatever. We are as one, as far as I am concerned.