Goverment agrees to help fund new facility
Government officials have confirmed that they will step in to save the controversial Animal Research Laboratory on South Parks Road, ending weeks of speculation and following an investigation by this newspaper into the controversy.
Lord Sainsbury, Under Secretary of State for Science and Innovation, revealed the government's plans as he unveiled new legislation to crack down on animal rights extremists. He said: "We will help Oxford with the extra costs that will inevitably come."
In an investigation by The Oxford Student two weeks ago it was revealed that the government was considering acting as a broker in order to save the controversial laboratory. It had become apparent that a private insurer was unlikely to step in following the termination of the University's contract with Montpellier last July.
What form this assistance is likely to take remains unconfirmed. When The Oxford Student contacted city insurers AXA and Zurich, they found that a private insurer was unlikely to step in unless "suitable provisions were made to minimise risks to contractors."
The estimated £1 million
government package is likely to secure these provisions in the form of legal advice, security and logistical support. The Department of Trade and Industry suggested to this newspaper, that this would be provided by stepping up police back-up at the South Parks Road site.
Increased behind the scenes activity during the week and rumours that a new contractor has been found suggests that work is almost ready to resume.
This has led many to believe that workers may descend on the site before the end of the month.
3rd Feb 2005