§ Mr. LidingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement about the reasons for the Government's decision to discontinue financial support for Professor Alan Ebringer's research into BSE. [132673]
§ Margaret BeckettThe proposal submitted by Professor Ebringer for Defra funding was assessed according to procedures that follow both departmental and Office of Science and Technology current recommendations for24WS the evaluation and commissioning of research. This assessment, together with opinion from SEAC, advises that the proposed nature and scope of the work are not recommended for funding by Defra. Professor Ebringer has been advised of reviewers comments and has held discussions with Departmental officials.