§ Mr. SalmondTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what consultations he has had with(a) staff, (b) the fishing industry, (c) local councils, and (d) hon. or right hon. Members regarding the possibility of conferring next steps agency status on the marine laboratory in Lowestoft; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what consideration he has given to conferring next steps agency status on the marine laboratory in Lowestoft; and if he will make a statement;
(3) what plans he has for the rationalisation or amalgamation of services provided by the marine laboratory facilities in Aberdeen and Lowestoft; and if he will make a statement;
(4) what assessment has been made of the implications for organisational and departmental responsibilities of the assumption of next steps agency status by one or both of the present marine laboratory facilities in Aberdeen and Lowestoft; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CurryStaff representatives were informed last July that a study group had been established to review the merits of a move to next steps agency status for the MAFF directorate of fisheries research. My right hon. Friend is currently considering the issues raised by this review in consultation with colleagues and will report his decision to the House in the normal way.