§ Dr. IddonTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the implementation of the Office of Science and Technology's guidelines on the use of Scientific Advice in Policy Making by Government Departments. [55236]
§ Mr. MandelsonThe Government place great importance on the implementation of the guidelines as a way of ensuring the highest standards of integrity and openness in their use of scientific advice. The Government's Chief Scientific Adviser, Sir Robert May, has recently compiled a report in conjunction with departmental Chief Scientists on how the guidelines are being implemented by Departments. The main conclusions from this work are set out in a report, a copy of which has been today placed in the Library of the House.
The guidelines were prepared only a year ago but it is encouraging to see that there is already a high level of compliance across Departments. The report contains a number of examples of good practice, but it is also clear that there is a good deal of scope for further action. There is a considerable amount which Departments can learn from each other and we look forward to further progress in the next twelve months.