§ Mr. Prydeasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the annual cost incurred in maintaining the Institute of Seaweed Research at Inveresk, Musselburgh, Midlothian, and if he is satisfied that the benefits derived from the Institute's work justify the cost of its maintenance.
§ Mr. J. StuartGrants from the Development Fund to the Institute of Seaweed Research for the last three financial years were at the average rate of about £53,000 a year.
A review of the work of the Institute was carried out in 1954 by the Advisory Council on Scientific Policy. The Council reported that the Institute had most capably carried out a programme of research which had yielded information of real value. It recommended that future research work should be concentrated on fundamental algal chemistry.
91W The Development Commission announced in July last that the Institute in its present form would close down in 1956, but that arrangements would be made for the continuation of fundamental research. These arrangements are now under consideration.