Large Hadron Collider Project (Hansard, 23 November 1994)

§ Mrs. Anne Campbell
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is the amount of the French contribution to the large hadron collider project at CERN which is in dispute; and what impact this amount makes on the project.

Mr. Robert G. Hughes
The United Kingdom and German Governments, with the support of other CERN member states, are seeking an appropriate additional contribution to the large hadron collider—LHC—project from France which properly reflects the considerable.benefits they derive from hosting CERN. A host state.contribution of 10 per cent. of a project's cost is the norm for such large international facilities such as CERN.
Accordingly we have asked the host states, France and Switzerland, to consider making an additional contribution of 290 million Swiss francs towards a construction cost of 2.9 billion Swiss francs. At present the sum offered by the host states falls significantly short of this amount. Negotiations are continuing to find a satisfactory settlement.
Detailed analysis, endorsed by CERN management, suggests there is a significant funding gap if the LHC is to be completed by 2005. Any shortfall in the contribution from host states would have to be made up by further cuts at CERN or increased contributions from other sources.

§ Mrs. Anne Campbell
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will give the reasons why the decision on the large hadron collider project at CERN is being held up; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Robert G. Hughes
The Government believe that, in principle, the large hadron collider project is the right next step for particle physics and for CERN. However,144W before giving formal approval for the project to go ahead, a fair and sustainable financial framework must be established. Such a framework must include the acceptance of tight cost control mechanisms and an appropriate additional contribution from the host states, France and Switzerland, in recognition of the considerable benefits which they have derived, and will continue to derive, from the location of CERN at Geneva.
Negotiations with CERN management and other member states have been progressing and in the last few months good progress has been made. We hope to be able to secure the basis for agreement before the next CERN Council meeting in December.