Microbiological Research Establishment (Hansard, 28 February 1978)

§ Mr. Ennals

My hon. Friend the Minister of State for Defence announced in reply to a Question from the hon. Member for Salisbury (Mr. Hamilton) on 21st February that the Government had decided to retain the Microbiological Research Establishment as a civil establishment, at the reduced size—about two-thirds of the present strength—appropriate for the civil programmes foreseen—[Vol. 944, cc.608–9]. I am glad to say that the Board of the Public Health Laboratory Service has now accepted my invitation to it to assume the management responsibility, subject to the passage of minor amending legislation necessary to give it the appropriate extension to its existing statutory powers; this I hope to bring before the House in due course. The intended date for the change in responsibilities is 1st April 1979.

There will be full consultations with the staff side and the trade unions, who have already been informed of the proposed arrangements; these will start in the near future. The Chairman of the Board has told me that he and his colleagues intend to develop as rapidly as possible a satisfactory programme of work for the Microbiological Research 204W Establishment, as an integral part of the Public Health Laboratory Service. I am sure that this will provide the most promising setting for the establishment and the best prospects for the long term for those of the Microbiological Research Establishment staff who will be continuing on civil work within the Public Health Laboratory Service.

I am grateful to the Board of the Public Health Laboratory Service for taking on this additional task. I have personally assured the Chairman of my full backing and support for the new enterprise and that the Government will make available the resources necessary to ensure its success.