§ Mrs. Joyce Butlerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what arrangements he has for securing independent advice on the scientific aspects of problems in the field of his Department.
§ Mr. Cledwyn HughesAt the beginning of 1965 my predecessor announced the establishment of a small group of eminent scientists known as the Scientific Advisory Panel, to provide independent advice on scientific problems affecting my Department. The Panel has given me valuable advice and I should like to record my thanks and appreciation of their help. On reviewing the matter after the Panel's first three-year term I concluded that a more flexible arrangement was desirable to deal with the very wide range of problems which may arise out of the work of my Department. I do not therefore propose to re-appoint the Panel, but I have invited its Chairman, Dr. A. C. Frazer, to continue to act as part-time adviser to the Ministry. Where necessary, he will co-opt former members of the Panel or other scientists with suitable qualifications to assist him in investigations into particular subjects on which his advice is sought.