HC Deb 20 December 1989 vol 164 cc337-9W
Dr. Bray

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will publish the consultants' reports from PA and Shearman Lehman and Hutton on the future for the centre for applied biology and research at Porton Down; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Freeman

It is not our normal practice to publish reports by consultants. I also refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Salisbury (Mr. Key) on 12 December at column632.

Dr. Bray

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what agreement was made in 1985 between the Secretary of State and Porton International regarding the construction by the latter of a fermentation plant at the centre for applied microbiology and research at Porton Down; and when he expects it to be built.

Mr. Robin Cook

To ask the Secretary of State for Health by what date the Government's contract with Porton International stipulates the fermentation unit at the centre for applied microbiology and research should be built.

Mr. Freeman

The construction by the Porton International Group of a fermentation plant at the centre for applied microbiology and research was one of the provisions of an agreement between the company and the Public Health Laboratory Service Board in 1985. Construction of the plant will be conditional upon the completion of a lease the terms of which are still under discussion.

Mr. Robin Cook

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the future of the centre for applied microbiology and research; and if he will list the companies he is considering as possible purchasers.

Mr. Freeman

I refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Salisbury (Mr. Key) on 12 December at column632.

Mr. Robin Cook

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what payments have been made to the Government by Porton International under its contract to commercialise inventions from the centre for applied microbiology and research.

Mr. Freeman

There is no contract between the Government and Porton International Group in respect of the centre for applied microbiology and research; the contents of the agreements between the group and the Public Health Laboratory Service Board, and any associated transactions, are commercially confidential.