§ The Earl of Clancartyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they intend to continue the previous administration's policies on the prior options review recommendations, with regard, in particular, to the appointment of senior staff in public sector research establishments who are sympathetic to prior options policies.
§ The Minister of State, Department of Trade and Industry (Lord Clinton-Davis)Ministers are considering how to approach the results of the programme of prior options reviews of public sector research establishments (PSREs), which were announced by the previous government in January 1997. In doing so, they will bear in mind the need to minimise any continuing uncertainty within these establishments, and the importance of sustaining the morale and commitment to their staff. Appointments of senior PSRE staff are carried out in accordance with the rules on public appointments, based on the principle of fair and open competition.