MP Robert Jackson is backing a new £175m science project for Oxfordshire.

How many jobs might be created by the project is not yet clear, but a decision is expected soon on where to base a prestigious new X-ray light machine to study the molecular structure of materials.

The MP for Wantage has said it should be based at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory near Didcot.

RAL - headquarters of the Council for the Central Laboratory of the Research Councils - employs 1,200 staff at Chilton, including teams working on the Isis pulsed neutron source, which is also used for research into the molecular structure of materials. Mr Jackson, a member of the Commons Select Committee on Science and Technology, said the so-called Diamond X-ray facility - partly funded by the Government - would be a very important investment for the future of RAL.

A spokesman at RAL referred press inquiries to the Department of Trade and Industry.

A department spokesman said: "We are awaiting a decision within the next few weeks from the Secretary of State, Stephen Byers." There has been a vigorous public campaign at RAL's sister laboratory at Daresbury, Cheshire, to try to secure the Diamond X-ray facility.

But Mr Jackson pointed out that the Oxfordshire laboratory is a national centre of excellence used by universities, industry and business apart from RAL's involvement internationally.

He also said that to site the facility at Chilton would benefit local employment and bring about savings and greater efficiency if Daresbury was to be wound down.

Story date: Friday 05 November

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