Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what his policy is on the future work of the British Antarctic Survey; and if he will make a statement. [123884]

Mr Willetts, Minister of State (Minister for Universities and Science), Department for Business, Innovation and Skills [holding answer 19 October 2012]: There is at present no agreed plan to change the status of the British Antarctic Survey. On 7 June 2012, the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) announced that it is looking at merging the scientific and logistics management of the British Antarctic Survey and the National Oceanography Centre to form a single, integrated marine and polar research centre. An open consultation of stakeholders and staff was launched on the NERC website and closed on 10 October with 370 responses.
23 Oct 2012 : Column 851W

The NERC Council will reach a decision in due course, informed by the results of the consultation and other feedback.

Any changes would have no effect on the UK's commitment to scientific excellence in Antarctica nor on the existing footprint of scientific bases and research ships in the South Atlantic. NERC has stated that the three NERC sites in Cambridge, Southampton and Liverpool will remain. The British Antarctic Survey name would be retained for activities and logistics relating to the Antarctic and South Atlantic.

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