JODRELL BANK

That this House congratulates Sir Bernard Lovell, the world-class research teams at University of Manchester and staff at Jodrell Bank Observatory for their acclaimed work over the last 50 years; notes the Observatory's significant contributions to research into meteors, quasars, pulsars, masers and gravitational lenses; recognises that Merlin and e-Merlin are critical projects for both the future of the site and the ability of scientists to carry out cutting edge research in radio astronomy in the United Kingdom; notes with concern that the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) is considering withdrawing its planned £2.7 million annual funding of Jodrell Bank's e-Merlin project; calls on the STFC to reassess its view of the importance of Jodrell Bank Observatory to the scientific community in the North West of England, the UK and internationally; and further calls on the STFC to continue its previous commitment to the Observatory.