FUNDING OF ARMAGH OBSERVATORY

Early day motion 1226, tabled 19 March 2008 by Lembit Öpik (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 17 members.

That this House applauds the Armagh Observatory's considerable contribution to astronomical research and its very high international standing; believes the observatory is one of the world class scientific institutions in the British Isles; is very concerned about the funding shortfall currently facing the Armagh Observatory; fears that if this shortfall is not met, the Observatory could close in 2009; and calls on the Government to ensure that the future funding of Armagh Observatory is secured to guarantee the on-going operations of one of the world's great seats of learning and research into the field of astronomy.

Signatures by party: Labour 5, Liberal Democrat 4, Conservative 3, DUP 2, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Independent Conservative 1.