§ Mrs. Anne CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland which former public sector research establishments in his Department have been privatised since 1979; and which public sector research establishments in his Department are currently undergoing reviews with a view to placing them in the private sector. [21945]
§ Sir John WheelerThe Northern Ireland Office and Northern Ireland Departments have not privatised any public sector research establishments since 1979.
A prior options study on the Department of Agriculture's scientific services has recently been completed, and its findings are currently under consideration. Prior options studies consider, among other things, the potential for privatisation or rationalisation.