To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the estimated cost is of the move of the National Institute for Medical Research, Mill Hill to the site of the former National Temperance Hospital in Camden; what assessment has been made of the potential implications for public safety of the move; and if he will make a statement. (98909)

The cost of the relocation of the NIMR from Mill Hill to central London has yet to be finally determined. The Medical Research Council is currently undertaking an appraisal of a wide range of possible options, and hopes to be able to identify a preferred option by December 2006.

The MRC has consulted Government security experts and the Health and Safety Executive, as is the case with all major building projects, and will continue to do so.