§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what public funding is provided to Cambridge university in respect of aerial survey activities subsequently offered for sale to the private sector. [4163]
§ Mr. Ian Taylor[holding answer 15 November 1996]: I understand that the university's activity in this area is self-supporting and does not involve public funds.
§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the procedure for the tendering process by the Natural Environment Research Council for aerial surveys; and when it next intends to tender. [4162]
§ Mr. Taylor[holding answer 15 November 1996]: The NERC airborne remote sensing facility bids on a responsive basis for work requiring the application of its unique set of airborne remote sensing systems. Typically there are approximately 10 such inquiries each year.
The management of the Natural Environment Research Council's aircraft, including its maintenance and the provision of pilots and instrument operators, is contracted out on a five-year basis.