§ Lord Sefton of Garstonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are aware of any proposals to close the Institute of Oceanographic Sciences at Bidston Observatory, and if so what measure they propose to take.
§ The Earl of SwintonThe Institute of Oceanographic Sciences is a component body of the Natural Environment Research Council, which received funds through the science Vote. I am aware that NERC is currently engaged in a review of the structure and activities of the institute at its three sites at Wormley, Bidston and Taunton. The initial report of the review team is due to be considered at an early meeting of NERC. It is anticipated that further discussions will follow this meeting and that the Department of Education and Science will be kept informed of any proposals to close or reduce activities at any of the above three sites.