Written question asked by Lord Lansley (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 29 July 1997. It was answered by John Battle (Labour) on Tuesday, 29 July 1997 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: What representations she has received regarding (a) the conducting of a full market test of the Royal Greenwich Observatory and (b) the consideration of a management led buy-out of the Royal Greenwich Observatory.

Answer: Mr. Lansley: To ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations she has received regarding (a) the conducting of a full market test of the Royal Greenwich observatory and (b) the consideration of a management-led buy-out of the Royal Greenwich observatory; and if she will make a statement. [11299] Mr. Battle: I have received one representation supporting a market test of the Royal Greenwich observatory and representations from three sources supporting a management led buy-out. The Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council has made clear its interest in seeing any proposals which the current RGO management might wish to bring forward for continuing and developing much of the work currently undertaken at the RGO which will not be transferred to the new astronomy technology centre.

Secondary information