HL Deb 19 October 1993 vol 549 cc505-6

3.23 p.m.

Lord Clinton-Davis asked Her Majesty's Government:

What are their plans for the proposed privatisation of the Transport Research Laboratory.

The Minister of State, Department of Transport (The Earl of Caithness)

My Lords, we announced on 27th May that we believed in principle that the laboratory should be privatised and that we were appointing consultants to advise us on the options for privatisation and their feasibility. We will not reach a firm decision on the future of the laboratory until we have carefully considered the consultants' report.

Lord Clinton-Davis

My Lords, does the Minister agree that the laboratory has a proven record for independence, integrity, objectivity and expertise over many years? It has established a reputation of international renown in particular in safety work and in environmental work in the transport sector. Does the Minister also agree that it makes little sense to put an organisation of such international reputation at risk? What on earth could justify that?

The Earl of Caithness

My Lords, I join the noble Lord in paying tribute to the work of TRL. It is of international repute. That is why we believe in principle that it should be allowed to go forward through the private sector and expand its work and potential. However, as I said to the noble Lord in my original Answer, until we receive the consultants' report we cannot take a view.

Lord Teviot

My Lords, is my noble friend aware that I, too, agree with the noble Lord, Lord Clinton-Davis, about the excellence of TRL? It is a pleasure to go to that building surrounded by such a wonderful collection of heathers, or erica. Is the option of a franchise being considered for the excellent people in TRL? That might free those people from the reins of government.

The Earl of Caithness

My Lords, nothing has been ruled in or ruled out. We must await the consultants' report. I hope that My noble friend will continue to be able to go to TRL, whether it is in the public or private sector, and will still be able to appreciate it.

Lord Dean of Beswick

My Lords, will the Minister give an undertaking that if the consultants' report is heavily in favour of the organisation staying in the public sector, the Government will not monkey about once again to achieve privatisation for privatisation's sake, but will leave matters as they are?

The Earl of Caithness

My Lords, we are looking very much towards the future of TR.L. One of the matters that we specifically asked the consultants to consider is the long-term viability of TRL if it were to go into the private sector. Obviously we shall take into account what the consultants say.

Lord Bruce of Donington

My Lords, who are the consultants that the Government are consulting?

The Earl of Caithness

My Lords., ICPNIG Peat Marwick.

Lord Clinton-Davis

My Lords, will the Minister indicate when he expects to receive the consultants' report? If he has any information about it, when does he expect to report to the House on that important issue?

The Earl of Caithness

My Lords, we expect to receive the report at the end of October. Obviously I cannot answer the second part of the noble Lord's question because we have to consider the report and then make up our minds.

Lord Eatwell

My Lords, will the noble Earl explain to the House why he expects a firm of accountants to be able to assess accurately either the quality of scientific research or the prospects for future scientific research?

The Earl of Caithness

My Lords, there obviously was a tender exercise for consultancy. Tenderers were given a specification. Various firms quoted for that specification. We believe that we have a very good firm of consultants which will be able to answer the questions posed to it.