Oral Question to Leader of House of Commons: Future of Centres for Ecology and Hydrology

Speech by Annette Brooke MP delivered to Business Questions on Thu 2nd Feb 2006

Annette Brooke (Mid-Dorset and North Poole) (LD): Given the mounting concerns expressed at Prime Minister's questions yesterday, DEFRA questions today and in an early-day motion about the proposed cuts relating to the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, which has sites across the country including an important one in Dorset, does the Leader of the House share my concerns about the potential long-term implications for the United Kingdom's science assets and scientific base? Does he feel that there should be some parliamentary input into the consultation? There is a real danger that a decision could be taken without any democratic input.

Mr. Hoon: This issue has now been raised twice in two days. The hon. Lady cannot say that there has not been some democratic input, given the questions raised not only with me but with my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister. The Government are committed to improving the United Kingdom's science base, into which we have put a great deal of extra resources. We have encouraged the development of science in the UK because we recognise that that is important not only in terms of understanding the implications of policy for the future in areas such as climate change but as a vital contribution to our future economic fortunes.