Science and Technology Facilities Council Order 2007

My Lords, I thank the Minister for introducing this order. We note that the Explanatory Memorandum states that that, "““a few respondents argued for the status quo but, in view of the fact that no adverse impact is expected in either the private or public sector and that there is overwhelming support””—" despite the memorandum having stated earlier that only two-thirds of respondents were ““broadly supportive””— "““it has been decided that a new Council should be created””." Can the Minister explain that justification more fully? Among the risks acknowledged in the regulatory impact assessment of option 1, which has been adopted, is the risk that, "““funding may be diverted away from grants to support facilities management and that Universities could be disadvantaged in favour of Government-run facilities as a result””." Could the Minister expand on what is being done to mitigate those risks? As a matter of interest, should we not also expect administrative savings as a result of amalgamating the Council for the Central Laboratory of the Research Councils, the Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council? I look forward to the Minister’s responses.