HC Deb 02 March 1967 vol 742 cc675-6
8. Mr. Wolrige-Gordon

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what progress is being made in the establishment of the Government Meat Research Institute at Bristol University; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Goronwy Roberts

Construction of the Meat Research Institute started in April, 1965, at Langford, Somerset, on a site adjacent to the Veterinary School of the University of Bristol. The work is proceeding according to plan and is expected to be finished by the end of this year. A phased transfer of research work from the Low Temperature Research Station, Cambridge, will begin in August.

Mr. Wolrige-Gordon

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that when this project was first mooted there was some talk about the desirability of siting a substation for the Institute in Scotland, which produces most of the quality beef in this country, to which I added the desirability of siting it in Aberdeenshire, which produces most of the quality beef in Scotland? What progress has been made towards this end?

Mr. Roberts

No decision about outstations has been made. I am aware of the hon. Member's interest in this matter. But it will not be possible to consider the need for out-stations until the Institute is established and has been functioning for some time.

Mr. Hector Hughes

Would my hon. Friend reconsider the whole problem with a view to having the main research station in Aberdeen, which is the centre of a farming and fishing area, and adding fish research to meat research?

Mr. Roberts

Naturally we shall take fully into account everything that my hon. and learned Friend says.