HC Deb 22 May 1996 vol 278 cc271-2W
Mr. Wiltshire

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what progress has been made on the prior options reviews of public sector research establishments. [30815]

Mr. Lang

I announced the timetable for the prior options reviews of public sector research establishments on 26 January,Official Report columns 422–23. The reviews are being conducted in three tranches, with a view to the major part of the work being completed by the end of 1996.

The Government have been considering the outcome of the first tranche of reviews. Our objective is to ensure that the Government receive the best quality scientific and technical services, with the best possible value for money for the taxpayer.

An announcement on the Building Research Establishment was made on 2 April, Official Report, columns 163–64, by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment.

I and my hon. Friend the Minister for Competition and Consumer Affairs are today making announcements on a number of establishments for which I have responsibility:

  • Central Laboratory of the Research Councils
  • Institute of Arable Crops Research
  • Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research
  • John Innes Centre
  • National Weights and Measures Laboratory
  • Silsoe Research Institute

Announcements are also being made today by the responsible Minister for each of the following establishments:

  • Directorate of Fisheries Research
  • Fisheries Research Services
  • Forestry Commission Research Division
  • Macaulay Land Use Research Institute
  • Scottish Agricultural Science Agency
  • Scottish Crop Research Institute

Decisions on other establishments will be announced as soon as possible.