Biological and Chemical Research Institute Relocation

The Hon. R. T. M. BULL: I ask the Treasurer, Minister for Energy, Minister for State Development, Minister Assisting the Premier, and Vice-President of the Executive Council whether it is a fact that a Coopers and Lybrand cost-benefit analysis conducted in 1991 estimated that the relocation of the Biological and Chemical Research Institute at Rydalmere would incur a net cost to the New South Wales taxpayers of between $2.2 million and $19 million? If so, what quantitative economic analysis has the New South Wales Treasury conducted to refute the policy implications of the previous study?

The Hon. M. R. Egan: On a point of order: this is clearly a matter related to the budget. It was referred to specifically, not only in the budget papers but, indeed, in my Budget Speech. The budget debate will come before this House this afternoon. Honourable members are waiting with great anxiety to hear the comments of the Leader of the Opposition. I think the time to canvass this issue is in the budget debate or before the estimates committees.

The PRESIDENT: Order! I rule the question in order.

The Hon. R. T. M. BULL: Was there no consultation with either industry groups or New South Wales Agriculture prior to making the decision to close Rydalmere? What is the net cost to the New South Wales taxpayer of this ill-informed decision?

The Hon. M. R. EGAN: This Government believes in regional development. It will decentralise the Rydalmere facility to a number of key research centres in country and regional areas. I thought that members of the National Party, who for years have been claiming that they believe in regional development, would support such an initiative to assist regional development.