§ Mr. WareingTo ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's policy on the future of United Kingdom public sector scientific institutions. [480]
§ Mr. Ian Taylor[holding answer 28 October 1996]: The Government's policy on the future of the public sector research establishments was set out in the Government response to the multi-departmental scrutiny of public sector research establishments, Cm 2991, which my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade presented to the Library of the House in September 1995. This detailed a range of measures to ensure that the research establishments are able to respond to the changing needs of their customers, and to maintain the reputation for excellence for which they are renowned.
The measures include a programme of prior options reviews of research establishments. My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade announced the timetable for these reviews in January 1996, and the initial results in May 1996. Further announcements will be made as decisions are taken. The intention is that the major part of the work should be completed by the end of December 1996.