HC Deb 26 January 1998 vol 305 c55W
Mr. Paice

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans she has for Her Majesty's Nautical Almanac Office if the Royal Greenwich Observatory in Cambridge is closed. [24304]

Mr. Battle

[holding answer 20 January 1998]: The work of the Nautical Almanac Office is carried out by the Royal Greenwich Observatory (RGO) under contract to the Ministry of Defence. The Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council (PPARC) has confirmed that all the current contracts held by the RGO will be honoured. PPARC is discussing the future of this work with the Ministry of Defence, and with other potential suppliers of the service to the MoD.

Mr. Paice

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what action she proposes to take with regard to the future of the Royal Greenwich Observatory and its facilities in Cambridge. [24306]

Mr. Battle

[holding answer 20 January 1998]: I have asked the Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council (PPARC) to explore every avenue for keeping the institution of the Royal Greenwich Observatory (RGO) alive. PPARC has declared itself satisfied that feasible options exist for a viable future for the RGO and is in the midst of detailed negotiations with interested parties over these options. These negotiations also cover the future of the current RGO staff, building and other assets.

Mr. Paice

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will commission an independent assessment of the proposal made by the Royal Greenwich Observatory to the Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council for its continuation as a company limited by guarantee. [24305]

Mr. Battle

[holding answer 20 January 1998]: At its meeting on 12 December 1997, the Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council concluded that given the costs, uncertainties and associated risks it could not support the proposal to establish a Company Limited by Guarantee as a vehicle for continuing some of the current functions of the Royal Greenwich Observatory and developing a commercial business of telescope design and manufacture. The decision was taken on the basis of the advice offered by PPARC's Implementation Oversight Committee, members of an Audit Group (which included members of its Audit Committee), and its independent financial advisers and does not consider that any further assessment is necessary.