UK HYDROGRAPHIC OFFICE

Early day motion 2328, tabled 8 June 2006 by Jeremy Browne (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 14 members.

That this House opposes the UK Hydrographic Office being relocated from Taunton to Exeter; admires the global reputation for excellence enjoyed by the UK Hydrographic Office; notes that it employs approximately 1,000 people in and around Taunton; further notes that these jobs are vital to the economy of Taunton and that many staff would also not be willing or able to commute or relocate to Exeter; recognises that the UK Hydrographic Office has had a presence in Taunton since the Second World War; cherishes the emotional attachment that many people from the Taunton area have to the UK Hydrographic Office fostered by many generations of people having been employed by the service; appreciates that the UK Hydrographic Office would benefit from modernised buildings; and calls on the Ministry of Defence to keep the UK Hydrographic Office in Taunton and to support its continued development so it can remain a world class service based in Somerset.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 8, Labour 5, Conservative 1.