Science and TechnologyCorrespondence from the Chair to the Director, National Oceanography Centre

Thank you for your letter regarding the evidence session and the subsequent press release.

I am sure that you understand that my comments were in no way intended to cast any aspersions on the National Oceanography Centre. The quote was carefully worded and I am certain that you understand the difference between a quality institution and an iconic one. I know that the highly educated people at NOC would also see that distinction. The statement clearly does not contrast BAS and NOC but instead BAS with whatever NERC institute title that may have resulted from a merger. That title would be unlikely to have the iconic status of either NOC or BAS.

However, I would hope that you can pass on to your staff at NOC that the whole of my committee recognises the quality of the work they undertake

The Committee’s marine science inquiry will be in full swing by the end of this month and I am sure that many of the broader science issues can be more fully explored there free from the sensitive issue of mergers.

1 November 2012