Welsh Government confirms Laboratory to stay in Llanelli

Keith Davies AM has welcomed the confirmation by Welsh Minister for Environment and Sustainability John Griffiths that the Environment Agency Laboratory will remain in Llanelli.

Keith Davies asked the Welsh Government to clarify the position following local concerns that the site may move elsewhere following the creation of a Single Environment Body (SEB) in Wales. The Environment Agency, Countryside Council and Forestry Commission for Wales is set to merge to create the new organisation later this year.

Keith Davies raised concerns that if the Llanelli laboratory was not transferred to the new body, it would remain under the control of the Environment Agency in England, threatening local jobs.

Keith Davies, AM for Llanelli said:

“The new environmental body will require a new laboratory…It is natural that we should try to use the resources that we have.”

“The staff who work there are some of the most talented and experienced in the National Laboratory Service, with 76% of the workforce having more than 10 years of experience.”

“Several specialist projects are offered there, including world-leading online analysis systems, as well as several other examples of work that it could offer to the new environmental body.”

In his response, the Minister for the Environment and Sustainability, John Griffiths, said:

“Our plans include the transfer of the Llanelli laboratory into the new body to support its work in Wales.”

“We greatly value the expertise of the Llanelli laboratory, as described by Keith Davies.”