Science ministers to discuss Framework

European science ministers will meet in London next week to discuss management of the European Union's Framework programme of science research. The informal meeting comes as proposals for the Fifth Framework scheme continue their second reading in the European Parliament, which is likely to vote in May on a revised version. The parliament and the Council of Ministers want the budget cut in real terms to Ecu 14 billion (Pounds 21.5 billion), Ecu 2.7 billion less than proposed.