E/1982/3/Add.16
English Page 12
55.
Reciprocal provision of knowledge and personnel are carried out and maintained by the universities, learned societies and laboratories, by visits on a personal basis and by the reciprocal provision of scientific literature.
56.
British participation in the scientific activities of international processes such as the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe, the Conference of Ministers Responsible for Science and Technology Policy in Member States of the European and North American Region of UNESCO (MINESPOL 11), and the United Nations Conference on Science and Technology for Development, is co-ordinated by Departments with major responsibility in the relevant fields. We are in favour of greater freedom for scientific research and researchers and the dissemination of the findings consistent with the needs of national security and commercial enterprise.
57.
In 1978, the total expenditure in Britain on scientific research and development was £3,250 million, or 2 per cent of the gross domestic product. Approximately half was financed by the Government, which carried out about one quarter of Britain's research and development in its establishments. Funds for research are also provided by private and public enterprise, and by private endowments and trusts. Charities and voluntary bodies between them contribute some £25 million a year to medical research.
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