Scottish Crop Research Institute

EDM number 462 in 1995-96, proposed by Roseanna Cunningham on 20/02/1996.

That this House notes the review of the Scottish Crop Research Institute at Invergowrie by the Government due to report in March 1996; is concerned at the shadow cast over this internationally renowned facility, which employs 400 staff and has a reputation for excellence in its developmental and research sevices, including the recent development of a technique which may facilitate the production of a vaccine against the AIDS virus; further notes that the Institute has a turnover of ú12 million of which ú4 million is generated from private funding sources including international companies; applauds the sterling work undertaken by the workforce in close partnership with the local farming and business communities to develop new products and varieties which could not be done by the agricultural industry alone; recognises the vital contribution which the Institute makes to the local economy both as a direct employer and in terms of its agricultural and research work; believes that the function provided by the Institute is indispensable; and calls on the Government to safeguard this vital facility, thereby recognising its local, national and international importance.

This motion has been signed by a total of 27 MPs.