§ 14. Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the future of the British subscription to the Centre Européen Recherche Nucleaire (CERN).
§ Mr. BrookeLast March my right hon. Friend announced the formation of a review group, chaired by Sir John Kendrew, to examine the whole question of British participation in particle physics research, including our membership of CERN. I understand that the group will report to the chairmen of the Science and Engineering Research Council and the advisory board for the research councils in May, and when we have considered their advice my right hon. Friend will be able to make a statement. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom continues to participate fully in CERN.
§ Mr. DalyellWould it not be humiliating throughout the international scientific community if this country were to fail to cover its subscription to CERN?
§ Mr. BrookeThe purpose of the review is to examine the matter that I have described. We shall go through the whole process of receiving the report—[Interruption]—and determine our conclusions on the advice received.
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. I ask the hon. Members to refrain from chatting.