§ Mr. HawkinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what additional costs he anticipates arising from the geographical dislocation of the Meteorological Office from the European Meteorological Centre, following his decision to relocate the Meteorological Office to Exeter. [146768]
§ Dr. Moonie[holding answer 23 January 2001]This 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 Ewing to Mr. Nick Hawkins, dated 24 January 2001:
I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence about the relocation of the Met Office. This matter falls within my area of responsibility as Chief Executive of the Met Office.You asked about the additional costs that will arise from the geographical dislocation of the Met Office from the European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) at Shinfield Park, Reading, following our decision to move to Exeter in 2003. These will be limited to increased travel and subsistence costs due to the greater distance between Exeter and ECMWF and additional costs associated with maintaining our telecommunications link. We estimate that this will amount to no more than £80K per annum, compared with overall net annual operating cost savings as a result of the move to Exeter of up to £5.0M.We recognise the importance of maintaining and strengthening the close working relationship we have with ECMWF. We will also wish to maintain and develop close links with many other organisations throughout the United Kingdom and around the World. With modern communications we are firmly of the view that such relationships can be achieved very well indeed from Exeter.There were many factors, both financial and non-financial, to consider in deciding the best location for our new operational and administrative headquarters. It was not an easy decision, but, overall, Exeter is the best choice for the Met Office, its customers and the UK more generally.