§ Mr. CoakerTo ask the President of the Board of Trade when she will publish the Council for Science and Technology's recent advice on research issues arising from the Dearing Committee's report on higher education. [19652]
§ Mrs. BeckettIn the past, the Council for Science and Technology has been accused of being a rather secretive body. We wish to change this perception and raise its public profile. In future there will be a presumption in favour of publishing detailed advice from the Council.
When I gave evidence to the House of Lords Select Committee on Science and Technology on 29 October I said that we would shortly publish the Council's advice on the research issues arising from the Dearing Committee's report. I can now confirm that we are publishing this advice today. I must however make it clear that it represents the views of the independent members of the Council, not necessarily mine or other Government Ministers.
343WThe Council's advice will feed into our broader consideration of the research aspects of the Dearing recommendations and we will be issuing policy statements in due course. The timing of these will depend on a number of factors, including the Government's Comprehensive Spending Review.
More generally, my hon. Friend the Minister of State for Science, Industry and Energy and I are now considering how to revitalise the Council as a key source of advice on science and technology issues and will make an announcement on this as soon as possible.
I have arranged copies of the Council's advice to be placed in the Library of the House.