HC Deb 15 January 1997 vol 288 cc277-8W
Mr. Ingram

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how much has been spent to date on converting the Forestry Commission Research Laboratories into a next steps agency; and from which budget these sums were paid; [10006]

(2) what estimate he has made of the future costs of converting the Forestry Commission research laboratories into a next steps agency; and from which budget these sums will be paid. [10007]

Mr. Kynoch

[holding answer 13 January 1997]: Work on the prior options review of the Forestry Commission's research division and subsequent work, which is nearing completion, converting it to a next steps agency was undertaken mainly by commission staff. The cost to the commission has been approximately £30,000. Only modest additional costs are likely to be incurred before the division becomes an agency on 1 April 1997.

Mr. Ingram

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how much has been spent to date on converting the fisheries research services into a next steps agency; and from which budget these sums were paid; [10022]

(2) what estimate he has made of the future costs of converting the fisheries research services into a next steps agency; and from which budget these sums will be paid. [10023]

Mr. Kynoch

[holding answer 13 January 1997]: Work on the prior options review of the fisheries research services and subsequent work, which is nearing completion, on converting it to a next steps agency was undertaken mainly by Scottish Office staff. The cost to my Department has been approximately £40,000. Only modest additional costs are likely to be incurred before FRS becomes an agency on 1 April 1997.

Mr. Ingram

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many(a) United Kingdom, (b) European and (c) international committees include employees of the Forestry Commission Research Laboratories as representatives of UK interests; and how many of these employees are leading the UK team on their committee. [10008]

Mr. Kynoch

[holding answer 13 January 1997]: The information is as follows:

United Kingdom European International
Representative 20 14 14
Leader — 2 2

Mr. Ingram

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many(a) United Kingdom, (b) European and (c) international committees are chaired by employees of the Forestry Commission research laboratories. [10009]

Mr. Kynoch

[holding answer 13 January 1997]: The information is as follows:

  • United Kingdom: 4
  • European: 1
  • International: 3.