§ Mr.MartlewTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for the Meteorological Office in Newcastle; and if he will make a statement. [88280]
§ Mr.SpellarThis is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Meteorological Office. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.
Letter from Peter Ewins to Mr. Eric Martlew, dated 30 June 1999:
I am replying to your question to The Secretary of State for Defence about Newcastle weather centre. This matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the Met. Office.Following a comprehensive review of our forecasting processes, we recently announced plans to rationalise our national network of weather centres. The opportunities offered by improved technology will allow us to make greater use of automation in the production of weather forecasts and concentrate our activities at fewer locations, 158W thereby maintaining the quality of the services we offer at a much reduced cost. As a result, we plan to close 5 weather centres over the next 2½ years, including Newcastle by the end of 2001.I am confident that the accuracy of forecasts will remain as high as ever in the Newcastle area, and indeed improve as meteorology continues to advance. In particular, we aim to provide a better service to the public through closer working relationships with the BBC regions. We will also continue to collect observational data locally. Knowledge of local geography and meteorological conditions will always be important, but the latest advances in technology together with improved communications, will enable us to prepare and deliver forecasts remotely, more cost-effectively.I can assure you that we remain wholly committed to our primary aim of providing our customers, now and in the future, with the range of services they require, in a timely and effective manner, at a price they can afford.