HC Deb 12 May 1960 vol 623 cc592-5
3. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will state the nature and value of the scientific and other plant now at his Department's Research Establishment at Greyhope Road, Aberdeen; and whether he proposes to deal with that plant by sale or transfer on his proposed closure of that Establishment.

Mr. John Hare

The scientific and other plant at the Research Establishment is composed of pre-processing equipment for meat, fish, vegetables and fruit on an industrial scale, dehydration cabinets now of an obsolescent pattern and laboratory and scientific apparatus. In addition, there is one prototype dehydration cabinet, the property of an American firm and on loan to the Ministry for experimental purposes. The cost of the plant, equipment and apparatus (excluding the plant on loan) at the time of acquisition was £131,000. On closure of the Establishment in March next the industrial plant will be sold: most if not all of the laboratory apparatus will probably be transferred to other Government Departments and the remainder will be sold.

Mr. Hughes

Does the Minister realise that it has taken many years and much public money to build up this scientific Research Establishment, which has done and continues to do very good work for the public? Does he realise that it is a disgraceful waste of public money and of scientific effort now to break up this Establishment? Even at this late stage, will he change his mind about it and let it carry on its good work?

Mr. Hare

The hon. and learned Member and I will agree that this institution has done very valuable work. In my opinion, that work is now over. If the hon. and learned Member is interested in public funds, I consider that, this work having been completed, it would be a waste of the £106,000 per annum which it costs to run the institution for the work to be continued when it could be undertaken by commercial firms and not borne on Government vote.

Lady Tweedsmuir

Will not my right hon. Friend agree that, while the immediate programme of work on dehydration has come to a close, the research staff is at present engaged on food research with associated problems, which would engage the staff for some years to come and be of very great value? Will he not, therefore, look at the matter again, particularly as he has some months to consider the step?

Mr. Hare

I assure the hon. Lady that I have given this matter very serious consideration and would not have taken this step unless I thought that what I was doing was right, not only for the sake of the Government but for the national interest as a whole.

4. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will state the other Govern- ment Departments with which he has consulted, as promised by letter dated 29th April to the honourable and learned Member for Aberdeen, North, with a view to finding employment for the staff who will become unemployed as a result of his forthcoming closure of his Department's Research Establishment at Greyhope Road, Aberdeen.

Mr. John Hare

I have consulted the Departments of the Secretary of State for Scotland, the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, and also the Agricultural Research Council.

Mr. Hughes

Does the Minister realise, from my supplementary question on the previous Question and from the supplementary question asked by the hon. Lady for Aberdeen, South (Lady Tweedsmuir), that both sides in Aberdeen are united in condemning his action in breaking up this very useful Research Establishment and separating these scientific workers who have done so well over the years? Again I ask him now to reconsider his disastrous decision.

Mr. Hare

As the hon. and learned Member knows, I have not only respect but affection for him. However, I think that on this occasion his judgment is wrong and that I am right. What we are concerned with is to see that the employees from this institution are properly placed, and I am taking every care to see that that should happen.

Lady Tweedsmuir

Is my right hon. Friend aware that Aberdeen is a development district under the recent Local Employment Act? Is he further aware that there is a united view in Aberdeen City that this work would be of value to the country as a whole? Would he, therefore, explain to the House in what other establishments in Great Britain this work is being carried on?

Mr. Hare

As I have already explained, the fillip having been given by Government funds and by the collection of this staff, I believe that this type of work can now properly and more efficiently be carried out by commercial enterprise. That being the case, we have taken this decision. Of course, I am aware of the employment position in Aberdeen, which is why I made a particular point of saying that I was most anxious to see that every effort was made to ensure that the people from this institution should not suffer.

Mr. Hughes

On a point of order. As this is so utterly wrong in principle, I hereby give notice—

Mr. Speaker

Order. I repeat my appeal that hon. Members will stick to the traditional formula.

Mr. Hughes

I shall stick to the traditional formula and hereby give notice that, in view of the unsatisfactory nature of the Answers to both Questions, I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible opportunity.

Back to
Forward to