4.5m for HRI restructuring

6 October 2000



4.5m for HRI restructuring

FARM minister Nick Brown has announced 4.5 million to restructure Horticulture Research International.

The minister said the cash will secure the HRIs future and maintain its research and development work.

HRI is a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Ministry of Agriculture, carrying out research for the UK horticulture industry.

Mr Brown said he had every confidence in the HRI boards decision to close one of its six sites, Stockbridge House in North Yorkshire.

Restructuring will mean the loss of 150 jobs.

Stockbridge House will revert to MAFF when the HRI leaves next year.

Mr Brown said the York-based Central Science Laboratory, which is consolidating some of its own sites, will consider the location.

But he said CSL would not be taking on HRI projects.