Warren Spring Laboratory

HC Deb 27 March 1985 vol 76 cc223-4W

Mr. Wood

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he has reached a decision about the future of Warren Spring laboratory.

Mr. Pattie

After careful consideration of the options, it has been decided to retain Warren Spring laboratory in the public sector. Privatisation could not be achieved on terms which would have been financially advantageous to the Government. It is nevertheless the intention to require Warren Spring laboratory to adopt a more commercial approach to its activities and to obtain a greater industrial return on its programmes.