HC Deb 11 June 1990 vol 174 c18
100. Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Minister for the Civil Service what representations he has received from curatorial staff on the conditions of service in the natural history museum.

Mr. Luce

I have received some representations via hon. Members from curatorial staff in the natural history museum, to which I have replied.

Mr. Dalyell

I spent two hours this morning with scientists at the natural history museum. May I ask the right hon. Gentleman a question of which I have given his office notice? If the Prime Minister was serious, as I believe she was, in her speech on 22 March about the need for a databank, why has the distinguished entomologist Mr. Michael Day, who is doing important research on bees, been made redundant?

Mr. Luce

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for his courtesy in giving my office notice of that question. The position of staff is a matter for the management. As I said in reply to an earlier question, the management of the natural history museum has taken the le ad in organising a seminar on Friday for scientists from Britain and abroad, during which it will be possible to consider the international and wider implications for research of some of the decisions that it has taken. The overall funding for the natural history museum has risen by 16.5 per cent. this year, against a positive background. It has decided to focus on two areas—health and environmental matters.

Mr. Dalyell

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In view of the courteous but unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I give notice that I hope to raise the matter on the Adjournment.