HC Deb 19 May 1988 vol 133 cc520-2W
Mr. Blunkett

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he expects Professor Peter Hall to take up his appointment as chairman of the Economic and Social Research Council; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Jackson

I have been informed by Professor Hall that he does not now propose to assume the chairmanship of the council.

Mr. Blunkett

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the role of the chairman of the Economic and Social Research Council in promoting social science research.

Mr. Jackson

The role of the chairman is to pursue, with members of the council, the objects of the ESRC as set out in its charter, and to ensure that its functions are carried out efficiently and effectively.

Mr. Blunkett

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what steps he is taking to ensure that any disruption caused by the Economic and Social Research Council's move to Swindon will not adversely affect the work of the council as an independent research council.

Mr. Jackson

The detailed arrangements for ESRC's move to Swindon are matters for the council itself. My right hon. Friend has, however, allocated resources to assist the council in meeting the costs arising from relocation.

Mr. Blunkett

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will list the members of the Economic and Social Research Council.

Mr. Jackson

The information is as follows:

Acting Chairman and Secretary

  • Mr. David Stafford

Members

  • Mr. B. Allison— Chairman and Chief Executive, Business Systems Ltd.
  • Professor G. Bain—Professor of Industrial Relations, Warwick University
  • Dr. W. Birch, PhD— Formerly Director, Bristol Polytechnic
  • Professor J. Blondel— Professor of Political Science, European Univesity Institute, Florence
  • Professor G. Brown—Professor of Applied Linguistics, University of Essex
  • Mr. I. C. R. Byatt/Deputy Chief Economic Adviser, HM Treasury.
  • Mr. A. M. G. Christopher, CBE—General Secretary, Inland Revenue Staff Federation
  • Sir Hugh Cortazzi, GCMG— Former British Ambassador to Japan, Director Hill-Samuel & Co
  • Mr. G. Davies—Chief Economist, Goldman Sachs
  • Professor J. G. Edwards, DM, FRCP, FRCPsych—Professor of Addiction Behaviour University of London Institute of Psychiatry
  • Sir Christopher Foster—Commercial Adviser to British Telecom Plc
  • Professor H. Hanham—Vice Chancellor, University of Lancaster
  • Dr. R. G. L. McCrone, CB, FRSE—Chief Economic Advisor, Industry Department for Scotland
  • Professor A. Maynard— Director ESRC Centre for Health Economics, York
  • Dr. J. Metters, FRCOG— Deputy Chief Scientist, Department of Health and Social Security
  • Professor H. Newby— Professor of Sociology and Director of ESRC Data Archive, University of Essex
  • Mr. A. Noble—Chairman, British Retail Association
  • Professor K. Thomas, FBA—President, Corpus Christi College, Oxford
  • Dr. G. Winfield—Chief Executive, Overseas Division, BOC Group

Mr. Blunkett

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether suitable, permanent accommodation has now been acquired to house the Economic and Social Research Council in Swindon.

Mr. Jackson

Accommodation has been found to house ESRC in Swindon from August this year. The council will remain there until the permanent accommodation at Polaris house (alongside the Natural Environment Research Council and the Science and Engineering Research Council) is available in 1990–91.

Mr. Blunkett

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many members of the administrative staff of the Economic and Social Research Council have so far indicated their willingness to move to Swindon with the Economic and Social Research Council.

Mr. Robert Jackson

Twenty two staff have indicated a willingness to move permanently, and nine to move at least for a period. Others are still considering their position.

Mr. Blunkett

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the current approved establishment of senior adminstrators at the Economic and Social Research Council; how many are currently in post; how many have resigned in the last 12 months; and how many have tendered their resignations in the last 12 months.

Mr. Jackson

The current approved establishment of senior administrators at ESRC is 19; 18 are currently in post; two have resigned in the last 12 months; and three have tendered their resignations (including the two who have resigned).

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