Written question asked by James Paice (Conservative) on Thursday, 15 January 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 26 January 1998. It was answered by John Battle (Labour) on Monday, 26 January 1998 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the President of the Board of Trade, if she will commission an independent assessment of the proposal made by the Royal Greenwich Observatory to the Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council for its continuation as a company limited by guarantee. - (Holding answer 20 January 1998).

Answer: Mr. Paice: To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will commission an independent assessment of the proposal made by the Royal Greenwich Observatory to the Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council for its continuation as a company limited by guarantee. [24305] Mr. Battle: [holding answer 20 January 1998]: At its meeting on 12 December 1997, the Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council concluded that given the costs, uncertainties and associated risks it could not support the proposal to establish a Company Limited by Guarantee as a vehicle for continuing some of the current functions of the Royal Greenwich Observatory and developing a commercial business of telescope design and manufacture. The decision was taken on the basis of the advice offered by PPARC's Implementation Oversight Committee, members of an Audit Group (which included members of its Audit Committee), and its independent financial advisers and does not consider that any further assessment is necessary.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 24305; 305 c55W
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Companies Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council Royal Observatory Greenwich