HC Deb 27 January 1986 vol 90 cc641-2
37. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Minister for the Civil Service what representations he has had in relation to redundancy for civil servants working in soil research.

The Minister of State, Privy Council Office (Mr. Richard Luce)

None, Sir.

Mr. Dalyell

What scientific or financial sense does it make to close the MacAulay Institute for Soil Research at Aberdeen against the public wishes of the right hon. Member for Kincardine and Deeside (Mr. Buchanan-Smith), a former Agriculture Minister and a local Member of Parliament who knows something about this matter?

Mr. Luce

I must point out that these are matters for my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland. Moreover, the people employed at the two institutions are not strictly civil servants.

Mr. Malone

In that case, will my right hon. Friend convey to the Secretary of State for Scotland the deep feeling that exists in Aberdeen against this move, simply because it is not based on any logic at all?

Mr. Luce

I shall certainly do just that.

Mr. Pavitt

Will the right hon. Gentleman ensure that he and the Secretary of State for Scotland discuss this whole question with the research bodies connected with soil research?

Mr. Luce

I must again point out that the whole question of soil research is a matter either for my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland or my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Mr. Pollock

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is deep disquiet throughout north-east Scotland about the possible removal of this institute with its consequential loss of expertise and personnel? Will he give an assurance that no final decision will be taken until there has been the fullest possible consultation with all those likely to be affected?

Mr. Luce

I must again stress that this is not my responsibility. It is the responsibility of my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.

Mr. Bruce

Does the right hon. Gentleman recognise that if this closure goes ahead he will receive representations from many people involved in soil science? Does he also recognise that the feasability study that has been set up is biased in favour of removal, in spite of the fact that all the evidence and all the representations are against the undermining of this excellent institute by its removal from Aberdeen?

Mr. Luce

I am sure that my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland has noted what the hon. Gentleman has said.

Dr. McDonald

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that 27 civil servants have been axed from the Soil Survey of England and Wales? Will he discuss this issue with his right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to ensure that Government resources are put into this important area of research, particularly at the present time?

Mr. Luce

Although that is mainly a question for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, and although, strictly speaking, soil researchers are not civil servants, I assure the hon. Lady that all the staff involved in soil work at the laboratories to be closed are being offered transfers to other locations.

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