MP questions Leader of House on Future of Centre for Ecology and Hydrology in Dorset

6.00.00pm GMT Thu 2nd Feb 2006

Speaking in Business Questions to the Leader of the House, Geoff Hoon MP, local MP Annette Brooke asked the Government to take note of the threat of closure of the Centres for Ecology and Hydrology in Dorset and around the country.

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.

Mrs. Brooke has received many representations from staff at the Winfrith CEH site and has written to the Government to highlight the world class scientific skills, knowlegde and experience of staff at the Centre.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Annette Brooke has signed EDM 1373 which has support from over 70 MPs.

PROPOSED CLOSURE OF CENTRE FOR ECOLOGY AND HYDROLOGY RESEARCH LABORATORIES

That this House notes with concern the proposal to close the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology scientific laboratories at Monk's Wood, Banchory and Winfrith; believes that their closure would severely impair the long-term monitoring and study of ecological change; further believes it would reduce the quality of independent science-based advice to Government on environmental matters, including climate change; and would dissipate the expertise of up to 200 experienced scientists; further believes that the savings expected from the closures will be more than offset by associated restructuring costs; supports the campaign by leading environmental charities to prevent the closure; applauds the work of the centres over many years; and calls on the National Environment Research Council and the Government to ensure their survival.

Speaking in Prime Minister's Questions, the Leader of the Opposition, David Cameron, challenged the Prime Minister directly on the proposed closures of these world class research establishments saying:

Mr. David Cameron (Witney) (Con): This week, we heard that the problem of climate change may be even worse than previously thought, and that the Government will not meet their targets. Later this month, the Government plan to close four out of the eight eco laboratories that monitor climate change. What happened to joined-up government?

The Prime Minister: We have set a Kyoto target, which we will meet. It is very tough on CO 2 emissions, as the right hon. Gentleman knows and for all the reasons that he knows. This country is leading the international debate on climate change. As the recent report from the international body on the environment showed, we are now ranked fifth in the world in terms of our environmental record. That is a very good record for this country.

Mr. Cameron: But will the Prime Minister look at the case of the laboratories? The Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the hon. Member for South Dorset (Jim Knight), said in a letter:

"The . . . closure . . . does not make sense, either scientifically or economically, whether considered at a national or a local level."

Is he right?

The Prime Minister: There is a debate, because of the Research Councils UK decision—[Interruption.] It has taken the decision to close the laboratories, and there is of course a debate about whether that is right or not. The basic point about the Government's climate change policy is that we will retain the renewables target and reduce CO 2 emissions in the specified time. However, there is no point in the right hon. Gentleman raising these issues while he remains opposed to the climate change levy. That levy is the only sure way to secure the reductions in CO 2 emissions that we want. I therefore hope that he will change his position on the levy.

Mr. Cameron: It was a simple question: is the Minister right? Sir David Attenborough has called those laboratories world leaders in biodiversity research. They make a crucial contribution to measuring the effects of climate change. I fear that the Prime Minister has not really considered the matter; will he go away and think about it, have a look at the evidence and come back to report to the House next week?

The Prime Minister: I do not agree. The Research Councils UK takes those decisions. The key thing for us if we are to meet our Kyoto targets—[Interruption.] If we are to tackle climate change seriously, we need to do two things. First, this country has to meet its Kyoto targets, and we are meeting them, in part through the climate change levy; the right hon. Gentleman remains opposed to it, but it is that which is helping us deliver on the Kyoto targets. Secondly, we have to build international support for action on climate change, which we are doing. The speech last night by the President of United States shows that there is growing consensus that we need to invest more in renewables and in clean technology, in which regard we are leading the way.