HC Deb 16 January 2001 vol 361 c216W
Dr. Cable

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what timescale he envisages for the review of the NPL/SERCO business plan for management of the National Weights and Measures Laboratory in Teddington; and what his plans are for consulting NWML's clients, customers and partners before a decision is made. [145405]

Dr. Howells

I envisage that the review should be completed over the next few weeks. There has been and will continue to be extensive consultation with NWML's clients, customers and partners.

Dr. Cable

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the conclusions were of the most recent review of the National Weights and Measures Laboratory as regards the appropriate role of(a) Government and (b) private contractors in the provision of trading standards and consumer protection work by the NWML. [145404]

Dr. Howells

The review is not yet complete and no conclusions have been reached.