Written question asked by Peter Ainsworth (Conservative) on Thursday, 16 March 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 21 March 2006. It was answered by Barry Gardiner (Labour) on Wednesday, 22 March 2006 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Freshwater Biological Association Library/Kritsch Collection

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has had with (a) the National Environment Research Council and (b) the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology on their decision to withdraw funding support for the Freshwater Biological Association Library and the Kritsch Collection.

Answer: [holding answer 21 March 2006]: The Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH) is wholly owned by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has had no discussions with either (a) NERC or (b) CEH on the Freshwater Biological Association Library and the Kritsch Collection. NERC is responsible for determining the details of how funding is allocated to specific activities.

Secondary information