To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement about the future of the Houghton research centre in the light of the working party report on publicly funded R and D, published on 4 March; and if he will make a statement.

The council of AFRC has over the past months carefully considered advice from a number of sources on the future development of its institute for animal health. At its meeting on 14 June the council decided to consolidate the institute over a five-year period on to one major site at Compton, with a centre for exotic diseases at Pirbright. This decision, which is subject to the provision of adequate restructuring funds, will involve moving poultry disease research from Houghton to Compton. The council believes that this development is essential to enhance scientific and operational efficiency and secure a strong science base for the benefit of the industry and the nation.