HC Deb 23 April 1968 vol 763 cc19-21W
Dr. David Owen

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) whether he is aware of the concern felt in Plymouth at the move of the Natural Environment Research Council's Ship Management Unit from Plymouth; and if he will give an assurance that full consultation will take place with the city council and the port authorities before a final decision is made;

(2) if, in view of the fact that Plymouth City Council have offered every facility to the Natural Environment Research Council to extend their Ship Management Unit and that they have received no official information that the negotiations which were pending are to be discontinued, he will take steps to rescind the decision to move the Unit from Plymouth.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

Since 1st January, 1966, the Research Vessel Management Unit of the Natural Environment Research Council has been temporarily based at Plymouth pending consideration of a permanent location. The facilities offered at Plymouth and other ports have been carefully considered in relation to the long term needs of the Unit, and the Council has concluded that these are likely to be most effectively met by the facilities available at Barry. The evidence leading to this conclusion has now been submitted to my Department and I am considering it. The Council is most grateful to the Plymouth City Council and to the Local Port Authority for the help they have given whilst these enquiries have been in progress. The Council's connection with Plymouth will in any event be maintained and strengthened through its support of the work of the Marine Biological Association at Plymouth, whose research vessels will continue to be based there.

Dr. David Owen

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what consultations his Department had with the Natural Environment Research Council over the siting of the Ship Management Unit.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

The Natural Environment Research Council first explored the facilities offered by various ports. On the resulting evidence, the Council has concluded that the future requirements of its Research Vessel Management Unit are likely to be best met by the facilities available at Barry. This evidence has now been presented to my Department, and I am considering it.

Dr. David Owen

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science why the South-West Regional Economic Planning Council were not consulted by the Natural Environment Research Council on the siting of the Ship Management Unit, and on its effect on Plymouth.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

The Council has been in full consultation with the appropriate authorities concerned with harbour facilities at Plymouth. It has not been considered necessary to trouble the Economic Planning Council on a matter of relatively little significance for the economy of the South-West Region.