JODRELL BANK OBSERVATORY

Early day motion 1165, tabled 21 November 2000 by Nicholas Winterton (Conservative). Signed by 12 members.

That this House notes with concern and disappointment the recent decision of the North West Science Review Committee not to grant funding for the Jodrell Bank Observatory's e-MERLIN project; welcomes the Observatory's excellent ratings given by an International Review comprising of a panel of distinguished astronomers; recognises that the Jodrell Bank Observatory is the only major astronomy centre in the United Kingdom and is of international importance; and calls upon the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, in his capacity as Chairman of the North West Science & Daresbury Development Group, to look favourably on Jodrell Bank Observatory's bid for ú7 million funding for the e-MERLIN project, in order to keep the Jodrell Bank Observatory and the Sir Bernard Lovell radio telescope at the forefront of the world's astronomical research.

Signatures by party: Labour 5, Conservative 4, Liberal Democrat 2, Independent 1.