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Scottish Office

Answer

Mrs. Anne Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland which former public sector research establishments in his Department have been privatised since 1979; and which public sector research establishments in his Department are currently undergoing reviews with a view to placing them in the private sector. [21946] Mr. Raymond S. Robertson: The Scottish Office has not privatised any public sector research establishments since 1979. As part of their response in September 1995 to the report of the multi-departmental efficiency scrutiny of public sector research establishments, the Government announced their intention to conduct a series of prior options reviews of public sector research establishments. My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade announced on 26 January 1996 the timetable for the reviews, which are due to be completed by the end of this year. The establishments covered include the five Scottish agricultural and biological research institutes--the Hannah research institute, the Macaulay land use research institute, the Moredun research institute, the Rowett research institute and the Scottish crop research institute--the Scottish Agricultural Science Agency and the Fisheries Research Services. Under the prior options procedure, all options, including privatisation, rationalisation or continuing with the current arrangements, have to be examined rigorously.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

21946; 274 c668W

Session

1995-96

Subjects

Government departments Privatisation Scottish Office Government research establishments