§ Mr. BrazierTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement about the future of the Centre for Applied Microbiology and Research.
§ Mr. SackvilleThe centre for applied microbiology and research (CAMR) is at present part of the Public Health Laboratory Service (PHLS), and reports to me through the PHLS board. Following recent consideration of these arrangements, we have decided that CAMR should become a separate body in its own right, remaining accountable to Health Ministers. This will be implemented by creating the centre as an authority under the Department of Health, which will report to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State through its own board. I will make a further announcement once the necessary preparations have been completed.