HC Deb 06 May 1993 vol 224 cc231-2W
Dr. Strang

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many staff are currently employed in research work by the Central Science Laboratory; and what is his projection for the number to be employed when relocation is complete on a single site in York.

Mr. Gummer

Responsibility for this matter is delegated to the Central Science Laboratory and I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Gentleman direct.

Letter from Dr. P. I. Stanley to Dr. Gavin Strang, dated 6 May 1993: The Central Science Laboratory currently employs 266 staff engaged on research and development work. It was announced by the Minister on 31 March that the Food Science Laboratories at Norwich and Torry will merge with the Central Science Laboratory to form an enlarged Agency which will come into operation on 1 April 1994. There are no plans at present, however, to relocate any of the Norwich or Torry staff to Yorkshire. My projection for the number of research staff to be employed in Yorkshire in the financial year 1997–98, when relocation will be complete, is 265.

Dr. Strang

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the relationship between the Central Science Laboratory work and that of non-departmental bodies sponsored by his Department; and if he will list the projects on which the Central Science Laboratory is currently engaged.

Mr. Gummer

Responsibility for this matter is delegated to the Central Science Laboratory and I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Gentleman direct.

Letter from Dr. P. I. Stanley to Dr. Gavin Strang, dated 6 May 1993: The Central Science Laboratory is involved in collaborative research with the Agricultural and Food Research Council's Institute of Arable Crops Research. The projects on which the Central Science Laboratory is currently engaged are:

  • Studies in resistance in crop pests,
  • Effects of pesticides on beneficial insects,
  • Barley yellow dwarf virus in Autumn and Winter, Seed weevil and pod midge.