HL Deb 20 July 1994 vol 557 cc36-7WA
Lord Swinfen

asked Her Majesty's Government:

If the Science Service and the Watercourse Management Division of the Department of Agriculture for Northern Ireland have been considered as candidates for Executive agency status.

Baroness Denton of Wakefield

I have decided that the Science Service and the Watercourse Management Division of the Department of Agriculture for Northern Ireland should be considered as candidates for executive agency status, under the Next Steps initiative. "Prior options" studies will be undertaken to establish whether agency status or other would be appropriate.

Comments on the Science Service should be sent by 1 September 1994 to:

The Secretary

Department of Agriculture for Northern Ireland

Veterinary Sciences Divisions

Stoney Road

Belfast BT4 3SD

Comments on the Watercourse Management Division should be sent by 1 September to:

The Secretary

Department of Agriculture for Northern Ireland

Watercourse Management Division

Hydebank

4 Hospital Road

Belfast BT8 4RP