HL Deb 28 January 2004 vol 656 cc51-2WA
The Earl of Northesk

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they endorse the view attributed to the Science Minister by the chairman of the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee that "The Lords don't really scrutinise science policy". [HL940]

Lord Sainsbury of Turville

I welcome and value the considerable scrutiny given to science by my noble colleagues in the House, not least the House of Lords Science and Technology Select Committee. Recent examples of scrutiny are:

  • the debate on the Select Committee report on Fighting Infection on 8 December, and present Select Committee inquiries on international agreements and renewable energies;
  • the speech and subsequent debate raised by the Baroness Greenfield on 9 December 2003 regarding science and politics, and,
  • Questions in the House such as those from the Earl Attlee on tidal power on 8 December 2003, and the debate on the Energy Bill of 11 December.
I recently commented to the House of Commons Science and Technology Select Committee that I am rarely asked Questions on science in this House.

As a Member of this House and as Minister for Science, I seek to further improve scrutiny of science. I have recently agreed to meet the Science and Technology Committee of the Commons for more frequent, general discussions. My hope is that this will drive science further up the agenda within the arena of the Commons, and enhance understanding of what is happening in the world of science. I do, of course, value any Questions from this House on the subject of science.