§ Mr. PaiceTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how the Daresbury and Rutherford Appleton laboratories will be affected as a result of the planned changes to the research councils.
§ Mr. David Hunt[pursuant to the reply 11 February 1994, Official Report, c. 492–93]:
Following an in-depth examination of the need for, management, operation, funding and other aspects of the laboratory, I have decided that, subject to parliamentary approval, the Daresbury and Rutherford Appleton laboratories should be established as an independent entity with effect from April 1995, under the terms of the Science and Technology Act 1965. The chief executive of the laboratory will be in the same relationship to the accounting officer and Director General of Research Councils within the Office of Public Service and Science as the chief executive of the six other research councils. I intend in due course to lay before both Houses a draft Order in council, which will be subject to affirmative resolution procedure.
Daresbury and Rutherford are national assets. They have been thoroughly reviewed, and my conclusion is that they should remain in public ownership. I believe that according them independent status is the right way to proceed, but with strong emphasis on operating in a commercial manner, and particularly meeting the needs of the customers.
By announcing these new arrangements now, and by aiming to introduce them as quickly as possible, we can ensure the nation gets the best return from these assets.
I am confident that we are creating the right environment for this major resource of the United Kingdom science and engineering base to flourish, and play a full part in carrying forward our White Paper objectives of wealth creation and improving the quality of life.