Bates calls for CEH restructuring halt

Release/Rhyddhau: 26/01/06

Contact/Cyswllt: Ceirion Rees:
029 2089 8342/ 07733280105/ ceirion.rees@wales.gov.uk 

Plans to restructure the largest independent environmental science organisation in the UK will have a devastating effect on the battle against climate change.  That was the view today from Montgomeryshire AM, Mick Bates.

The Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH), which has a base in Bangor, conducts world class research into biodiversity, climate change and pollution.  Additionally it provides impartial scientific advice to government, policy makers and conservation agencies.

The proposed restructuring will see the loss of 200 jobs, a reduction in the number of sites from nine to four and a reduction in the amount of externally funded scientific research.

Commenting Mick, who chairs the National Assembly Sustainable Energy Group (NASEG), said:

"The proposed restructuring is devastating news.  Climate change is the biggest long term issue we currently face.  In order to understand it we need good research and impartial advice.  Losing experts and facilities from organisations like CEH can have a major effect on how we go about dealing with global warming. 

"We need to invest more money in science.  We should not seek to make short term economic gains which may have long term environmental consequences. It is the duty of government to ensure such independent research remains strong in Wales.  I have written to the First Minister to ask for a long-term government commitment to CEH."