§ Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what was the total cost of the prior options reviews; and if he will make a statement. [15082]
§ Mr. Ian TaylorThe estimated total cost of conducting the prior options reviews, excluding the costs for the preparation of the privatisation of ADAS, the establishment of the health and safety laboratory as an internal agency of the Health and Safety Executive, and the conversion of three establishments into new executive agencies, is likely to be in the region of £1.5 million. This cost is small compared with the sum devoted to the establishments—some £690 million a year. The128W Government believe that to achieve further efficiency gains, which can only benefit the science base, this is a worthwhile investment.