§ Mr. Ray Powellasked the Secretary of State for Wales, in view of the proposals to close the only dust 125W disease research centre in Wales, at Llandough hospital, near Cardiff, while employment opportunities for research scientists and technologists are scarce in Wales, what action he proposes to take; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Wyn RobertsI assume that the hon. Member is referring to the Medical Research Council's pneumoconiosis unit at Llandough hospital. I understand from my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science, whose Department makes a grant-in-aid to the Medical Research Council, that no proposals to close this unit have been put to the council. I further understand that the council is fully aware of the need to maintain a proper capability for research on occupational lung diseases, and its policy remains to assist the unit in the effective pursuit of its research in this field.