§ Sir Andrew BowdenTo ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement about forthcoming prior options reviews of institutes sponsored by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council. [17213]
Mr. TaylorThe Government announced on 29 September 1995 that all public sector research establishments would be subject to prior options reviews. I announced on 24 November reviews of BBSRC-sponsored institutes concerned with agriculture and plant sciences.
Reviews are now beginning of the BBSRC's arrangements for sponsoring the Babraham Institute, the Institute for Animal Health and the Roslin Institute.
These reviews will take place alongside those of establishments parented or sponsored by other Government Departments which are carrying out work in similar or related fields. The reviews will build on any relevant recent studies.
I should welcome comments from interested parties. Comments should be sent by 8 April 1996 to:
Dr. Susannah Bolton, Institute of Arable Crops Research, Rothamsted, Harpenden, Herts AL5 2JQ in respect of the Babraham Institute;Dr. David L. O. Smith, Silsoe Research Institute, Wrest Park, Silsoe, Bedford MK45 4HS in respect of the Institute for Animal Health; andDr. Vincent Essex, BBSRC, Polaris House, North Star Avenue, Swindon SN2 1UH in respect of the Roslin Institute.