HL Deb 02 December 2002 vol 641 cc75-6WA
Earl Howe

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What steps they are taking to ensure that Horticulture Research International remains financially viable. [HL188]

Lord Whitty

Horticulture Research International (HRI) is the subject of a quinquennial review which is examining its performance and organisational status. The report of the independent review team was published on 23 September for public consultation. The department is currently considering stakeholder comments and we expect to announce the way forward shortly. We are seeking to work closely with HRI and its stakeholders to ensure that the organisation has a viable future.

Earl Howe

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether Ministers or officials played any part in bringing about the reopening of Stockbridge House Experimental Station following its closure in 2000. [HL192]

Lord Whitty

On 11 September 2000 Horticulture Research International (HRI) announced the closure of its operation at Stockbridge House, North Yorkshire as part of a restructuring of its business agreed with the then Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF).

MAFF, as owner of the site, subsequently made arrangements to sell the land on the open market. This was in accordance with Treasury rules which require departments to dispose of surplus assets at the best price reasonably obtainable in the market. Following HRI's withdrawal from the site on 31 March 2001, MAFF allowed Stockbridge Technology Centre to lease some facilities and to look after the agricultural land under a temporary management agreement pending sale.

The land was subsequently sold to Stockbridge Technology Centre, which made the best offer. The district valuer considered that its offer was fair and reasonable. The sale was handled by professional agents acting on behalf of the department.

Ministers and officials were involved in a number of discussions with HRI and others concerning the events described above. However, they did not "bring about" the sale of the land to the current owner. As explained, the land was sold in accordance with Treasury procedures for the disposal of surplus assets.