HL Deb 26 January 2004 vol 656 cc13-4WA
Lord Oakeshott of Seagrove Bay

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether it is essential for the Medical Research Council to be located in London; and, if not, when the option of moving to a cheaper location was last considered. [HL816]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Trade and Industry (Lord Sainsbury of Turville)

The location of MRC head office was last reviewed in 1993 when a move to Swindon was considered. Independent consultants concluded at this time that, at the rental rates paid by the MRC, Park Crescent remained the most cost-effective location.

The location of MRC head office is being considered as part of the current review into the relocation of public service activities outside of the London and the south-east which is expected to report in March.