Written question asked by Nicholas Winterton (Conservative) on Thursday, 26 October 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 2 November 2000. It was answered by Kim Howells (Labour) on Thursday, 2 November 2000 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, if he will list the reasons why the Jodrell Bank Observatory MERLIN project bid was not granted funding by the North West Science Review; and if he will make a statement. - Inc figure.

Answer: Mr. Nicholas Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the reasons why the Jodrell Bank observatory Merlin project bid was not granted funding by the North-West Science Review; and if he will make a statement. [135869] Dr. Howells: A total of 52 proposals were received by the North-West Science Review Team. They were not only subjected to peer review to ensure that only excellent science would be funded but also judged by other criteria such as their likely impact on the north-west science base, and on their potential contribution to the future of the north-west economy. The e-Merlin proposal was not ranked highly enough to receive funding when judged against these criteria.

Secondary information