HC Deb 28 March 1996 vol 274 cc668-9W
Mrs. Anne Campbell

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland 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. [21946]

Mr. Raymond S. Robertson

The Scottish Office has not privatised any public sector research establishments since 1979.

As part of their response in September 1995 to the report of the multi-departmental efficiency scrutiny of public sector research establishments, the Government announced their intention to conduct a series of prior options reviews of public sector research establishments. My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade announced on 26 January 1996 the timetable for the reviews, which are due to be completed by the end of this year. The establishments covered include the five Scottish agricultural and biological research institutes—the Hannah research institute, the Macaulay land use research institute, the Moredun research institute, the Rowett research institute and the Scottish crop research institute—the Scottish Agricultural Science Agency and the Fisheries Research Services. Under the prior options procedure, all options, including privatisation, rationalisation or continuing with the current arrangements, have to be examined rigorously.

Mr. Gallie

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement about prior options reviews of the Hannah research institute and the Moredun research institute. [24066]

Mr. Robertson

The Government's response to the report of the multi-departmental efficiency scrutiny of public sector research establishments announced a series of prior option reviews. As part of this series, the Scottish Office Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries Department will conduct prior options reviews of the Hannah research institute and the Moredun research institute.

The reviews will address the actual and potential relationship of the establishment to any others in similar or related fields, and will consider the potential for privatisation or rationalisation.

I would welcome comments from interested parties. They should be sent by 30 April to:

  • Mrs. B. McGee
  • The Scottish Office Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries Department
  • Pentland House
  • 47 Robb's Loan
  • EDINBURGH
  • EH14 1TY.

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