HL Deb 27 November 2000 vol 619 cc112-3WA
Lord Hunt of Chesterton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the economic and strategic factors of relocating the Meteorological Office from Bracknell to Shinfield Park, Reading, next to the European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasts, determine this to be the best option for the United Kingdom and Europe. [HL4573]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

As announced by my honourable friend the Under-Secretary of State for Defence (Dr Moonie) in the other place, on 9 November 2000,(Official Report, col. 326W), the Met Office has chosen Exeter Business Park as the preferred site for its new operational and administrative headquarters. In making this choice the Met Office took full account of the strategic issues both as they relate to its own future and as they affect the UK more generally.

While there are some attractions of being close to the European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) at Shinfield Park, Reading, this is by no means essential in order to derive maximum benefit for the UK and Europe. What is important is that the Met Office should continue to develop its Numerical Weather Prediction capability in concert with ECMWF, thereby placing the UK in a strong position within Europe. With modern communications and the undoubted desire of both parties to strengthen the already close relationship, this can be achieved very well indeed from Exeter, and without raising concerns amongst our European partners which would have almost certainly been the case had the Met Office relocated to Shinfield Park.

With regard to economic factors, reducing the Met Office's operating costs—so that, among other things, it can fund its future research and development programmes—is vital, as is ensuring that it can continue to recruit and retain the very best staff. This is better achieved by relocating to an area where the costs of living are lower and where there are excellent opportunities for further development.

Lord Hunt of Chesterton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What consultations have been undertaken with the public and private sector customers of the Meteorological Office on its planned relocation from Bracknell, due to be announced shortly. [HL4572]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

As announced by my honourable friend the Under-Secretary of State for Defence, (Dr Moonie) in the other place, on 9 November 2000,(Official Report, column 326W), the Met Office has chosen Exeter Business Park as the preferred site for its new operational and administrative headquarters.

Whilst no direct consultation has taken place on the choice of preferred site itself, this choice was taken by the Met Office in the best interests of its customers, both in the public and private sectors. These customers have repeatedly made it clear that, whilst forecast accuracy and service quality are high and continually improving, they remain concerned about the affordability of the Met Office's services and the costs of maintaining and developing its underpinning core capability.

Part of the reason for choosing Exeter as the preferred site was the opportunity to reduce costs significantly without compromising quality, so that the benefits could be passed on to customers.