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LORD WHITTY RESPONDS TO REPORT ON THE FUTURE OF HORTICULTURE RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
Food and Farming minister Lord Whitty today announced that the Government broadly accepts the analysis and recommendations set out in a report analysing options for working towards a stable and sustainable future for the research centre Horticulture Research International.
Defra will now enter into detailed discussions with HRI and other parties, in particular the University of Warwick and the East Malling Trust for Horticultural Research, to establish whether the scenarios recommended by HRI''s Quinquennial Review team are achievable and affordable, and whether any further Government investment is necessary.
Lord Whitty said:
"There is a clear need for skilled and strategic horticultural science to underpin our policies and industry needs. HRI is a substantial asset of horticultural science excellence. In its present form, however, HRI is not viable and needs to be rationalised.
"We hope to reach detailed discussions in principle about the future of HRI by March 2003. Matters for consideration will include the remit and research capacity of successor arrangements; ownership of land and buildings; staffing and pensions matters; and income sources. Subject to satisfactory negotiations, the plan would be to put in place the new arrangements for HRI''s future by 1 April 2004.
"In the meantime HRI will continue as currently constituted. We shall take care to ensure that any transfer to successor organisations occurs as quickly and seamlessly as possible in a way which enables HRI to meet all of its commitments."
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. The Quinquennial Review was announced to Parliament on 11 December 2001. It was carried out by a Review Team consisting of:
Dr Derek Langslow CBE - Consultant Geoffrey John CBE - Consultant Morwenna Robertson - DEFRA Jonathan Palmer - Financial Consultant
2. Horticulture Research International was established in 1990 as a Non- Departmental Public Body sponsored by DEFRA. It aims to be the principal contractor for horticultural R&D in the UK and to be recognised as a centre of excellence providing cost effective R&D.
3. The report and Review team''s further thoughts (addendum) can be viewed on DEFRA''s web site at: http://www.defra.gov.uk/research.
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