§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether the new Institute of Food Research building at Reading university has been completed; when staff will start to occupy it; what is the latest estimate of the cost of its construction; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alan HowarthThe Agricultural Food Research Council expects that the new building for the Institute of Food Research on the campus of the university of Reading will be completed in June this year. Scientists on the present Shinfield site will transfer to the new building in August. The estimated cost of construction is £9.6 million. This new building will provide the Reading laboratory of the IFR with excellent facilities to house the strong scientific programmes on microbiological food safety, consumer sciences, molecular sciences and biotechnology under way at Shinfield. It will also enhance the institute's position as an internationally recognised centre of excellence in food sciences.