Written question asked by Nigel Griffiths (Labour) on Tuesday, 15 December 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 6 January 2010. It was answered by David Lammy (Labour) on Thursday, 7 January 2010 on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

Gilmerton Core Store

Question: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills whether a risk assessment has been commissioned on the effects on the national rock archive of proposed transport from Edinburgh to a proposed site in Nottinghamshire.

Answer: [holding answer 6 January 2010]: No specific risk assessment was considered necessary as the British Geological Survey (BGS) currently moves core from the oil and gas suppliers to Gilmerton and Keyworth and between its sites, and already understands and manages this risk. It also moves core as part of the International Ocean Drilling Programme across the globe. However, the British Geological Survey will undertake a combined risk assessment and methods statement nearer the time of moving. A working group of the Collections Advisory Group, including co-opted members of the Geological Society of London Petroleum Group, will consider and advise on the detail.

Secondary information