§ Mr. IngramTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what are his current projections on the expected job losses at the National Engineering Laboratory and the date by which those reductions in staffing will be achieved.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggThe business plan for NEL and the resources it will need, is being prepared. Current projections are that the laboratory will require about 400 staff in total and the necessary staff reductions will take place during 1990.
§ Mr. IngramTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if he has received and appraised the projected business plan for the National Engineering Laboratory, East Kilbride; and if he will make a statement;
(2) when he proposes to announce his intentions arising from the projected business plan on the future of the National Engineering Laboratory.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggI have not yet seen the business plan for the National Engineering Laboratory, but I will see it in due course. The contents of the plan will be commercially confidential and I do not intend to make an announcement about it.