Hutchison Paul: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Hutchison Paul: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:613;Page:9715] 
11.  
Dr PAUL HUTCHISON (National—Port Waikato) 
 to the  
Minister for Crown Research Institutes 
: Given that AgResearch's Wallaceville research facility has been described as in a “climate of fear” how does its likely closure fit in with the Government's aim of attracting training and retaining scientists? 
Hon PETE HODGSON (Minister for Crown Research Institutes) 
: 
 AgResearch’s plans to progressively relocate staff from Wallaceville are part of a strategy to concentrate the institute’s resources where they can be most effective. Because some research teams are less inclined to relocate than others it seems likely that some scientists will relocate later and some others not at all. 
Dr Paul Hutchison 
: Does he accept that the climate of fear reported to be present amongst staff at Wallaceville is associated with widespread dismay and loss of morale and will he work with and encourage AgResearch to act on viable alternative options that are available whereby this internationally acclaimed world-class research facility is consolidated and strengthened rather than closed? 
Hon PETE HODGSON 
: I freely acknowledge the world-class science that goes on in Wallaceville especially with some of the teams. But the member has overlooked the advantages of a progressive relocation. For example he might wish to reflect that there is a strong science case to locate animal health research with veterinary teaching. 
H V Ross Robertson 
: Does the Minister have confidence in the board of AgResearch? 
Hon PETE HODGSON 
: Yes I certainly do. Restructuring plans are always difficult and sometimes traumatic for staff. I am satisfied that the board of AgResearch and particularly the chairman have made strenuous efforts to engage honestly and constructively with the staff at Wallaceville and continue to do so. 
Stephen Franks 
: How can the citizens of Wellington be persuaded that this decision is not just an attempt to put resources into a more marginal electorate instead of into a region where every seat has returned Labour members given the Government’s willingness to spend $25 million on Auckland University and its unwillingness to reopen this case when AgResearch says Wallaceville is still making money and there is no prospect that it will not continue to do so? 
Hon PETE HODGSON 
: To the extent that relocation occurs it will occur mainly to Massey University—in one of the strongest-held Labour seats in the country. 
Dr Paul Hutchison 
: Does he agree that the Wallaceville Animal Research Centre facility has forged strong links with businesses in the Hutt Valley such as AgVax Developments Ltd Schering-Plough and Industrial Research Ltd and that there are strong opportunities for further growth with the Institute of Environmental Science and Research and Victoria University but that these opportunities will be seriously affected by closure; why does he not encourage AgResearch to rethink consolidate and enhance Wallaceville? 
Hon PETE HODGSON 
: Yes which is why for example Dr Ken McNatty and his team are more likely to stay here than leave.