To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what scientific representation there is for the National Institute for Medical Research on the working party of the Medical Research Council deciding on its future at the British Library site. (143071)

The National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) is a wholly owned institute of the Medical Research Council. In October 2004, the MRC established a steering committee to oversee the further development of a business plan for the renewal of the NIMR, bringing together scientific and business issues. In February 2005, following the selection of University College London as the preferred partner for the renewal of the NIMR, a project group comprising representatives from the MRC, the NIMR and UCL was established to advise the Committee on the development of the business case required for the Gateway Process.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on what date Sir Keith Peters was appointed as interim director of the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR); how many days Sir Keith has worked at the NIMR since taking up the post; and if he will make a statement. (143078)

The National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) is a wholly owned institute of the Medical Research Council (MRC).

Sir Keith Peters took up the appointment as an interim Director of the NIMR on 1 October 2006. His contract requires him to work an average of eight days per month.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) whether the National Institute for Medical Research is permitted to do a preliminary feasibility study of the proposal to relocate to the British Library site; (143106)

This is a matter for the Medical Research Council (MRC). I have asked the MRC’s Chief Executive, Professor Colin Blakemore, to reply to my hon. Friend.