HC Deb 07 April 1960 vol 621 cc540-1
10. Lady Tweedsmuir

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether any decision has yet been made on the future of the research establishment at Greyhope Road, Aberdeen.

Mr. Godber

My right hon. Friend has been considering the future of the experimental factory at Aberdeen when the development work on dehydration comes to an end in March, 1961. He has come to the conclusion that the other research projects at present being pursued there do not justify him in retaining this establishment.

The Government, in the meantime, are considering the suitability of the staff and premises for other activities.

Lady Tweedsmuir

Does my hon. Friend realise that this decision will cause grave disappointment, as a great deal of very valuable work has been done? Can he say what action has been taken by his Department to interest industry in making use of the research done by this Department? Is it not possible to give it future work to do?

Mr. Godber

Certainly my right hon. Friend attaches very great importance to the work that has been achieved here. It is his feeling, though, that this work could be best carried on now by private enterprise, and that it could be developed and utilised effectively in that way. A great number of food manufacturing firms have already shown a lively interest in this development, and we shall try to keep them in touch with what is being done at Aberdeen as long as the station is maintained.

Mr. T. Fraser

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in Scotland we have only 2.7 per cent. of all the research and development workers in Great Britain, and that any step which is taken by Her Majesty's Government to reduce that proportion is very much to be deplored?

Mr. Godber

I note the hon. Gentleman's comment, but I did say in my original answer that the Government are considering the suitability of the staff and premises for other activities.

Lady Tweedsmuir

What will this closure mean in terms of unemployment? Will my hon. Friend again consider giving a new programme of work to this establishment, which undoubtedly has done very valuable work?

Mr. Godber

It may be that some other effective use can be found, but not, I feel, in the fields for which my right hon. Friend is responsible. If unemployment should arise, of course, the transfer of staff will be given the most careful and sympathetic consideration.