HL Deb 23 May 1995 vol 564 c56WA
Baroness Castle of Blackburn

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How they will assess the impartiality and objectivity of prospective purchasers of the Transport Research Laboratory.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Transport (Viscount Goschen)

The Government will, in assessing the impartiality and objectivity of proposals for the Transport Research Laboratory, require prospective purchasers to demonstrate that there would be no actual or potential conflict of interest between their business operations and the supply of scientific advice and research.

Baroness Castle of Blackburn

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether it is their policy to authorise the re-employment of Transport Research Laboratory staff who have taken early retirement or severance scheme, and, if not, under what conditions they would approve such a policy.

Viscount Goschen

Staffing at the Transport Research Laboratory is an operational matter delegated to the Chief Executive under the TRL Framework Document. The Chief Executive exercises his delegated authority in accordance with Civil Service terms and conditions for the re-employment of staff.