Autumn 2005 SCIENCE IN PARLIAMENT
State of the Nation
Plastic Waste
Private Finance Initiative
Visions of Science
Airbus Launches the New A350
The Journal of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee http://www.scienceinparliament.org.uk THE STATE OF THE NATION 2005 An assessment of the UK’s infrastructure by the Institution of Civil Engineers
PUBLISHED 18 OCTOBER 2005
About the Institution of Civil Engineers About the report As a professional body, the The State of the Nation Report For more information on the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) is compiled each year by a panel background to the State of the is one of the most important of civil engineering experts. The Nation Report, contact ICE sources of professional expertise report’s aim is to stimulate debate External Relations: in road and rail transport, water and to highlight the actions that supply and treatment, flood ICE believes need to be taken to t +44 (0)20 7665 2151 management, waste and energy – improve the UK’s infrastructure. e [email protected] our infrastructure. Established in It has been produced since 2000. w www.uk-infrastructure.org.uk 1818, it has over 75,000 members This year, six regional versions throughout the world – including of the State of the Nation Report – over 60,000 in the UK. covering Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales as well as the North West, South West and West Midlands of England – are being produced, in conjunction with the UK-wide publication.
To read the complete report please visit www.uk-infrastructure.org.uk
Registered Charity No. 210252 SCIENCE IN Science in Parliament has two main objectives: a) to inform the scientific and industrial communities PARLIAMENT of activities within Parliament of a scientific nature The Journal of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee. and of the progress of relevant legislation; The Committee is an Associate Parliamentary Group b) to keep Members of Parliament abreast of members of both Houses of Parliament and British members of the European Parliament, representatives of scientific affairs. of scientific and technical institutions, industrial organisations and universities.
Michael Dixon’s NHM inspires public engagement with science, as our planet’s future depends on a better understanding of nature. Robert Key says politicians must recognise that Britain’s success depends on our scientists, technologists and Contents engineers. Paul Wiles promotes identity Autumn 2005 Volume 62 Number 4 verification using ID cards and the National Identity Register. Peter Davis’s plastics are The Natural History Museum: Inspiring public engagement with science 2 recycled or burnt to help close the energy gap. Dr Michael Dixon Graham Hearn’s electrostatics sort waste plastics A call to arms 3 into clean, single Opinion by Robert Key MP polymer streams, prior to melting and ID Cards and the National Identity Register 4 reforming. Lee Professor Paul Wiles Clayton’s UK plastic Plastic Waste: Toxic Rubbish or Strategic Resource? 6 recycling plant makes Addresses to the P&SC by Peter Davis, Graham Hearn, a profit and Roger Dr Roger Morton and Lee Clayton Morton’s research on Parliamentary Links Day 13 novel plastic Blair praises "thriving" Links Day separation techniques The advent of a new industrial revolution and the Airbus A350 wing 16 reduces plastic Paul Chivers, VP Head of A350 Wing, Airbus UK disposal in landfill. State of the Nation Report 2005 18 The Royal Society of Chemistry’s Parliamentary As assessment of the UK’s infrastructure by the Institution of Civil Engineers Links Day is "the foremost scientific gathering in the Parliamentary calendar" according to the Diversity in Science 20 Prime Minister, while Hilary Benn unites scientists Novartis and The Daily Telegraph Visions of Science Photographic Awards and policymakers in the fight against poverty and Warning of Catastrophe: the way forward 22 disease in Africa. Paul Chivers’ industrial Professor Bill McGuire revolution replaces metals with composites in the NHS PFI is not NHS PLC 24 Airbus A350 wing. Gordon Masterton presents Lord Warner the State of the Nation, with radical solutions for The Private Finance Initative: a policy built on sand 25 infrastructure problems. Visions of Science Professor Allyson Pollock emphasise diversity of technique and mode of expression. Bill McGuire discusses early warning Visit to the London IDEAS Genetics Knowledge Park 26 for tsunami that could prevent a hazard becoming Letter to the Editor 27 a disaster. Lord Warner believes that PFI will Geophysics Education in the UK 28 underpin the NHS new build, while Allyson Promoting UK/Japan Science & Technology Collaborations 29 Pollock argues that PFI is built on sand. Aftab Khan’s geophysicists are a declining resource The Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention Meeting of Experts 30 requiring attention. The Committee is stimulated Codes of Conduct for Scientists by a visit to the Genetics Knowledge Park, while Spaceport 32 Philippa Rogers develops the UK/Japan S&T Sustainable Development: The Engineering Contribution Guidance 34 relationship, John Freeman considers codes of documents for young engineers conduct for weapons scientists, Michael Bode’s House of Lords Science and Technology Select Committee 35 Spaceport locates on the Mersey and Robert Freer Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology 36 engineers sustainable development. Following this edition I hand over the reins (ie House of Commons Select Committee on Science and Technology 37 chair of the Editorial Board) to Dr Brian Iddon, Debates and Selected Parliamentary Questions and Answers 38 MP for Bolton South East. I have enjoyed my Digest of Parliamentary Debates, Questions and Answers 41 stint in charge of Science in Parliament immensely Euro-News 47 and I wish Brian every success. I also want to thank Annabel Lloyd and Peter Simpson whose European Union Digest 48 hard work and inventiveness contribute so much 2005 Volume Index 50 to our journal. Science Directory 51 Science Diary 60 Dr Douglas Naysmith MP Chairman, Editorial Board, Science in Parliament Front cover photo: A computer-generated impression of the new Airbus A350
ISSN 0263-6271 The Natural History Museum: Inspiring public engagement with science
Michael Dixon, Director t the Natural History Museum 500 peer reviewed articles annually has taken on greater prominence, we believe the future of the and many are world leaders in their which is dependent on the extent Aplanet depends on a field. We also house about 70 PhD and quality of our scientific work comprehensive understanding of students, for whom there is co- and the collections that we hold. the natural world. We share supervision with scientists in UK We recognise that this must be knowledge, engage people’s universities, and MSc students on relevant to the issues that concern curiosity and encourage their courses that we run jointly with the general public and provide enjoyment of the planet with a Imperial College. Our scientists evidence to inform public debate. sense of responsibility for its future. also provide access to information Our Darwin Centre provides state- Any organisation delivering such on the world’s biological and of-the-art conditions for storage of lofty ideals is bound to be complex geological diversity, principally our collections and world-class and the mix of skills, facilities and through our library which probably facilities for our scientists and is endeavour enshrined by the holds the world’s greatest natural used in bringing scientists and the Museum is rarely visible. The NHM history collection, and by providing public closer together. Visitors can is a world class collection of natural identification for specimens see our scientists at work on our history specimens and artworks, a collected worldwide. We handle collections that are used to address centre of scientific excellence, a around 45,000 enquiries annually new questions about the natural learning resource, a place of public from professionals and the public. world and engage with them in engagement with science, and an Our Public Engagement Group interactive sessions that are web-cast iconic building as well as one of the operates at South Kensington and on a daily basis. UK’s leading visitor destinations. Tring1 and through outreach, Our public services are closely Our work also contributes to the touring exhibitions in the UK and aligned to government policy. This delivery of strategic priorities of overseas and our website, which includes our sponsoring several government departments. attracts almost a million visits department, DCMS, the DTI/OST The Museum is a non-departmental monthly. Annual visits have 10 year framework for investment public body (NDPB) and receives doubled from around 1.65m to in UK science, the UK’s obligations grant-in-aid from the Department 3.3m since the reintroduction of under the convention on for Culture, Media and Sport, free admission in December 2001 biodiversity (CBD) overseen by supplemented by a range of income and we have programmes to attract DEFRA, the commitments to the generating activities that are a more diverse audience. Over 95% next generation inherent in DfES necessary to fund the activities we of our visitors consider their policy and overseas capacity undertake. The biggest contributors experience good or excellent. We building via the British are scientific grants from the have established a design Council/FCO, with whose support. Research Councils and other grant consultancy from our touring DCMS and the NHM are training awarding bodies, retail and catering exhibition business that has worked the next generation of curators in businesses for our 3.3 million on high profile, overseas projects post apartheid South Africa. visitors, a conference and events and co-designed the UK pavilion at It is an exciting time to have taken business utilising the buildings and the Expo in Aichi, Japan this year. over as Director. Our economic gardens and consultancy services We also support primary and value to the taxpayer is proven. For based on our scientific and secondary school curricula and every £1 invested, we generate £4 exhibition design expertise, and engage in organised educational for the UK economy2. The future of many other activities also make activities with around 400,000 the Museum is also about inspiring profitable contributions. children annually. the scientists of the future. We have Our Science Group is responsible Over 40 years ago the British been onsite in South Kensington for for the curation of collections of Museum Act formally created the almost 125 years but our role has over 70 million biological and Natural History Museum as a never been more relevant or geological specimens. Items are scientific organisation with the necessary. loaned for both research and public side run by the Public 1 The NHM also operates the Walter Rothschild exhibition purposes, with as many Services Agency. Nowadays our role Zoological Museum at Tring 2Travers, T, Glaister, S and Wakefield, J (2003) as 70,000 being offsite at any one in providing education, information Treasurehouse and Powerhouse: An assessment of the time. Scientific staff publish over and entertainment for our visitors cultural and economic value of the Natural History Museum
2 Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 4 Autumn 2005 OPINION
A call to arms…
Robert Key MP Deputy Chairman of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee
ritain’s future depends more It need not be like this. It must not The first thing each of us can do in than ever before on the be like this. Parliamentarians can debating policy options, in Bsuccess of our scientists, take a lead and make a difference. scrutinising legislation and in technologists and engineers. Of course, neither individual MPs deciding how to vote is to Historically, our influence in the or Peers, nor our Parties, nor the understand and to properly assess world and our prosperity have Government will all agree on risk. You don’t have to be a always been greatest when we have policies as diverse and ethically scientist to do that. But it makes a stretched and exploited our difficult as human reproductive mockery of science and of logic if intellectual and skills-based technology, energy sourcing, we ignore or distort the nature of advantages in these fields of human nanotechnology, genetic risk. Is anything at all risk-free? I endeavour. modification, or climate change. doubt it. Yet gullible public But there are two key ways in which opinion and understandable It was neither the language of Parliament can promote informed prejudice are easily led by tabloid Shakespeare, nor our constitutional public debate and help our headlines and focus groups. But and legal arrangements, nor our Government and our nation reach who is sillier – the consumer who Westminster model of democracy sensible policy conclusions. won’t shop at a supermarket if they that caused the people from a group For one romantic moment, I invite sell GM food or Governments who of small islands to rule an empire you to set aside the motives of the tell us food containing up to 0.9% on which the sun never set and Party Whips in helping us decide GM ingredients is "GM-free"? which became the fourth largest how to vote (for they only act on economy in the world. No, our Our second mission must be to orders and there is an urgent need global industrial and military might ensure that policy is based on to change the timid way all our and wealth depended on our pre- evidence – for science is politically political parties handle "science"). eminence in science and neutral. Where an issue is overlain The truth is that very few of us go engineering and on our financial by moral or ethical considerations through the division lobbies with acumen. (as in the case of human fully-developed intellectual analyses reproductive technology) the At the start of the twenty-first on the tips of our tongues, eager to decision on where to draw the line century we observe electronic justify our votes on stem-cell should be taken by Parliament as a engineering and manufacturing research or GM crops to our local whole, not by the loudest pressure processes growing most strongly in papers and radio stations. groups nor by Whitehall Ministers. China and the Pacific Rim, British Along the way we will have been To be pro-science is not to be anti- university science departments lobbied by postcard campaigns and green any more than good Greens closing, "hard" science subjects Early Day Motions promoted by are anti-science. Yet that is too struggling in schools and self-justifying single-issue pressure often the assumption in the UK – universities because they are "more groups and perhaps by a score of but not, it seems, in Finland or difficult" than new soft options. serious constituents acting from France (new nuclear power stations) Bioscience companies and the deep conviction. Please spare me or the USA (commonplace GM research they sponsor are being the MPs who tell us their postbags products), where science is still forced to leave our country in the have been groaning with hundreds respected and debate more rational. face of political extremism. All this, of letters supporting the way they will Are we Brits really any different? while our economy is increasingly vote anyway! I think only once in What has gone wrong? It is time dependent on wallowing in our past 23 years have I had more than 100 for British politicians to take a lead, and on imported energy that we personal letters about any issue at all, not run for cover when science is hope will see us through. including abortion and the Iraq war. on the agenda.
Robert Key has been Conservative MP for Salisbury (which includes Porton Down) since 1983.He served in the Governments of Margaret Thatcher and John Major. In the last Parliament he was a Member of the Science & Technology Select Committee and until the 2005 General Election he was Shadow Science Minister. He is now a Member of the Defence Select Committee.
Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 4 Autumn 2005 3 ID Cards and the National Identity Register
Professor Paul Wiles, Chief Scientific Advisor, Home Office
Introduction i) a strong enrolment process to biometric authentication to assure The UK plans to move to the ensure that the credentials that the user has only registered introduction of ID cards and the supplied by the applicant have once into the NIR, and that in creation of the National Identity been checked thoroughly and that subsequent use for high integrity Register, subject to Parliamentary he or she has not attempted to transactions, the identity of the decision, with the aims of enrol previously; bearer of the card is indeed reducing the opportunity for ID ii) the creation of a National correctly confirmed. theft, simplifying immigration Identity Register (NIR) which will Biometrics procedures and supporting store basic personal information Biometrics may be defined as stronger verification of identity in about the person in a secure automated methods of identifying the use of public and commercial manner; people using a physical, services, both on- and off-line. iii) the ID card itself which could physiological or behavioural ID cards are not a new concept; be used as a stand-alone card for characteristic. Some methods indeed an ID card was introduced proving a citizen’s identity; and have been around for a long time in the UK during the Second iv) a verification service to (fingerprints have been a key tool World War, and most EU confirm the identity of the for police forces for over a countries have them. However, cardholder or of the person whose century), while others have been better ways of securing the card, biometric feature is registered on introduced very much more both when issued and in use, are the NIR. recently (for example, iris recognition was proposed just needed. Biometric technologies A number of technologies are over 20 years ago). are already used with identity required to ensure that the ID cards for these purposes in other card operates in a robust way over All biometric systems start with countries such as Malaysia and many years of use. These include the stored image of the biometric, Hong Kong. Also, ID cards using long-lasting material from which which is normally recorded at an international standards are the card is made, a secure enrolment session. Subsequent becoming available for the first electronic data link between a verification of an individual’s card and the reader (eg by a identity relies on comparing a time, and the proposed UK contactless method such as in the presented biometric feature with identity card could benefit from new range of passports and in the this initially recorded biometric, these and the experience of other Oyster card in use on the London typically using a proprietary countries. tube), a Public Key Infrastructure pattern-matching algorithm that The key components of the which will ensure the integrity of compares the characteristic proposed ID cards scheme the data stored in the card chip elements in that biometric image include: and finally, the application of with similar features stored at the
4 Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 4 Autumn 2005 enrolment. Because of the ever- algorithms to make a comparison biometric system will not accept changing ways in which people between the set of points picked plastic fingers with an impressed respond to the biometric terminal out when the person first enrolled fingerprint or a photograph of a (for instance, they may smile or and those identified at the time face. Of course, the needs of the frown in a facial biometric when their identity is being elderly and disabled have to be system), this comparison will checked. A matching score can taken into account as well. never be identical. Hence the be derived using information from Biometrics is an evolving field and need for a criterion for an more than one finger and a we must be aware of what the acceptable degree of matching – threshold set based on the risk future may hold for biometric the threshold value – which treads analysis. Procedures are needed technologies. Although the a fine line between security and for those people with missing underlying biometric technologies usability. Allied to the selection of fingers, where the surface ridges are mature, commercial systems this criterion is a requirement to have been scarred, etc. are constantly being improved handle those exceptional cases Different biometric technologies with developments in increased where the individual hasn’t quite provide varying levels of matching usability, higher security against been able to reach the threshold performance and are suitable for spoofed artefacts, and refining the for acceptance. different uses. Indeed, more than underlying algorithms. For The use to which biometrics are one biometric method can be example, in facial recognition, put affects the requirements put used to decrease the number of three-dimensional imaging may on the technology. For over a people unable to provide a reduce the impact of subjects not century, experts have compared satisfactory verification; for facing straight-on towards the the fingerprint marks left at the instance, iris and face recognition camera. A key theme of much of scene of crime with those can support the use of fingerprint this development is in fusing the obtained from previously arrested technologies. Iris recognition results from more than one criminals. The collection of relies on specialised algorithms approach, whether it is just in fingerprints on arrest involves a working on the fine detail in the taking two fingerprints or adding traditional ink and the rolled coloured part of the eye, in a way the scores from separate iris and finger method with trained police that keeps the information fingerprint systems to give more officers guiding the fingers of the constant in spite of the changes in confidence to the verification person to achieve the best pupil size following changes in process. impression. For the past 15 years ambient light levels. One of the Summary or so, computer matching systems main approaches for automated Biometric authentication is at the have been available to support the face recognition uses a merging of heart of the proposed ID cards. expert fingerprint examiners. a number of base facial images to Should the legislation be However, a different approach is approximate the image of the approved by Parliament, people in required for automated biometric individual’s face; the percentage of the UK will have a method of systems. For example, optical each of the base images is confirming their identity in a imaging and even silicon chip adjusted to optimise the accuracy secure manner. The biometric sensors are used with the finger of the resulting image. Another technologies which are under placed flat on a glass surface approach focuses on distinctive consideration, using face, without the need to roll it from groupings of features relating to fingerprint and iris recognition, side to side. In many of these specific regions of the face. have been developed over several newer – biometric – systems the The proper application of decades, although improvements image is scanned to identify biometric technologies is at least are constantly being made. The points where the individual as important as choosing the key, however, will be to ensure fingerprint ridges either stop or correct technology – or mix of that these are introduced in a branch into two separate ridges. technologies. For example, a high standards-compliant system, The supplier of a biometric quality user interface and an which is secure, easily used by the system will then use these 50-100 optimised capture environment is vast majority of the population characteristic points (called necessary to put the person at and in applications that provide minutiae) on each finger to create ease to ensure that the best image clear benefits to the citizen, the a template for that individual’s is obtained. Security issues need foreign visitor and public and fingerprint, and use proprietary to be addressed so that the commercial organisations.
Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 4 Autumnr 2005 5 PLASTIC WASTE – TOXIC RUBBISH OR STRATEGIC RESOURCE? MEETING OF THE PARLIAMENTARY AND SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE ON MONDAY 11TH JULY 2005 Plastic waste can be recycled and re-used almost indefinitely or could be incinerated to provide up to 17% of our requirements for electrical power, thereby reducing damage to the environment and the need for landfill, which is much more stringently regulated and is filling up very rapidly. There is currently no alternative on the planners’ horizon to a very greatly increased reliance on waste recycling if we are not going to be buried in rubbish.
Plastic Waste: Toxic Rubbish or Strategic Resource?
Peter Davis OBE, Director General, The British Plastics Federation
his presentation demonstrates and four Market Sector Groups. A However, although plastics are that used plastics are a brief statistical overview (see page taking weight out of cars and Tstrategic resource that has a 12) shows the scope and range of thereby providing the potential for life extending beyond their first use. the UK plastics industry, and more miles per gallon in fuel This overview of our Federation demonstrates the importance of this economies, car manufacturers are shows how much plastic is sector to the national economy. adding weight in the form of extras produced and the very wide range such as air conditioning, electric of applications to which it can be Resource Efficiency of Plastics windows and MP3 players. Plastics put. A summary is also presented Plastics are extremely resource packaging prevents wastage by of the British Plastics Federation’s efficient and make very economical keeping food fresh. Consumers are views on the priorities for recycling use of the world’s oil production. more upset by spoilt food than they and recovery of used plastics. For example, only 4% of this is are by over packaging. used for plastics production, The British Plastics Federation whereas 86% is used for transport Plastics Recovery: Waste (BPF) evolved from the British and heating. Over the past 10 Management options Plastics Moulding Trade Association months plastic material prices have Plastics can be recovered either as (1929-33) and was founded on 21st increased by 50-65% as they are material or as energy with five December 1933, in the same year directly affected by increases in oil possible options for their ultimate that an ICI scientist called Gibson prices. In May 2005 the London disposal: recover the energy as discovered polyethylene. This was Metal Exchange opened a Futures recycled materials; recover the the starting point for the plastics Market in two plastic materials PP energy as energy; recover the energy industry in the UK as a commercial and LLDPE. Plastics confer major as material and energy; compost enterprise. environmental benefits. They are biodegradable waste – losing the The BPF has a shared-cost approach both durable and lightweight, energy to the environment; and to managing the national plastics which minimises waste and helps to landfill – burying (and losing) the industry. We have over 300 save energy in several different ways resources. member companies with a wide since the cost of energy used is less Landfill is the worst possible option range of commercial activities than 3% of the cost of a as used plastics are a valuable related to plastic manufacture, manufactured product and in resource that should not be wasted ranging from raw materials and making transport more energy in this manner. In the UK only additive producers to plastics efficient, for example. The use of 9.3% of recovered plastics are processors and distributors and 100kgs of plastic in a car to replace recycled, with only 7.7% used for machinery suppliers and recyclers. heavier materials saves 750 litres of recovering energy. The equivalent We also have 20 Business Groups oil over the lifetime of the vehicle. average figures for Western Europe
6 Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 4 Autumn 2005 are 16.5% and 22.5%. In 1985 looking at a national mandatory current two. The Mayor of London only 84,500 tonnes of plastic scheme associated with local wants 80% of London’s waste packaging was recycled. Following delivery, for the collection, recycling managed within its boundaries by implementation of the EU and recovery of farm plastics. This 2020 rather than having to export Packaging Wastes Directive, this presents both logistical and it. This target is completely rose to 344,243 tonnes in 2004. economic challenges! unattainable without major We still have a long way to go. The increases in both recycling and possible recycling methods available The Markets for recycled plastics energy recovery. for plastics include the following: in the UK Dispelling the myths on energy mechanical recycling; chemical Some typical uses for recycled recovery recycling; feedstock recycling; plastics material are: pallets; organic recycling (composting); and underground storage tanks; drains; The European experience shows energy recycling. film and bags; fabrics and fibres; that increasing the energy recovery Several examples of important areas garden furniture; office furniture, capacity does not prevent recycling of plastics recycling are briefly stationery; road barriers and cones; rates also increasing, as waste is summarised here. and street furniture. Many more thereby diverted from landfill. UK Expanded Polystyrene Recycling applications are under development. plastics recyclers are much more threatened by the export of plastic The BPF’s Expanded Polystyrene Energy Recovery – an urgent UK waste to China. Energy recovery Packaging (EPS) Group is working need does not cause pollution or emit with Original Equipment The BPF believes used plastics dangerous levels of dioxins. There Manufacturers (OEMs) such as is stringent Environment Agency Panasonic and Hitachi and retailers should not be landfilled as they are a valuable resource. When used control of energy recovery plants such as Comet and Dixons to take and dioxins have an air emission material back and reuse it. plastics cannot be economically recycled with environmental limit of 1 nanogram per cubic Recycling fish boxes is more metre, equivalent to existing challenging due to contamination. benefits they can perform a valuable role as feedstock in mixed waste for background dioxin levels in urban We are planning to work with soils. The annual dioxin emissions major supermarkets in future. See energy from waste incineration. The UK lags far behind Western for all UK incinerators are one tenth www.eps.co.uk and www.bpf.co.uk of the dioxins released from for more information. Europe in energy recovery capacity and in its attitude to energy bonfires and fireworks on Guy Bottle Recycling recovery. The UK has only 19 Fawkes night. There has been a 100% increase in Energy-from-Waste incinerators for the past two years with 10.5% of a population of 60 million, whereas Energy Recovery – growing bottles (48,000 tonnes) collected Denmark has 32 for a population of support from the household waste stream – only 5 million. "Nimbyism" in The UK is now a net importer of 68% from the kerbside and 32% Denmark is directed at landfill as it energy with shortages predicted if from return schemes. Collection produces methane and can pollute we have a hard winter. The facilities for plastic bottles are groundwater. The City of Institution of Civil Engineers and offered by 73% of all local authorities Copenhagen landfills only 4% of its the Renewable Power Association in who also benefit financially. waste whereas London landfills over a joint report in April 2005 said Bio-plastics/Biodegradables 80% and landfill tax is increasing. that half of the 30 million tones of London faces a looming crisis since household rubbish sent to landfill These are increasingly fashionable many of the landfill sites it currently in England could be incinerated and and some retailers have adopted uses for waste disposal, particularly generate enough power to light 2 them. They are not the correct in Essex, will close in 2007. The million homes each year. By 2020 solution for products such as pipes Mucking landfill alone takes 15% of 17% of our electricity needs could however. Claims made for the London’s waste, about 650,000 be generated by energy recovery. products need to be checked and tonnes. Its closure will generate Energy recovery provides clean, bio-degradables can contaminate 100 extra lorry movements a day, renewable power, and reduces plastics recycling streams. taking the waste elsewhere. demands on fossil fuels. Used Farm Plastics The DTI Secretary of State has plastics are "frozen fuel" with a The Government is currently recently reopened the public higher calorific value than coal. focusing on agricultural waste, inquiry into the Belvedere Energy- In conclusion, used plastics are a including plastics waste such as from-Waste Incinerator on the strategic resource and should not be silage film, in order to implement a Thames, after the Inspector had landfilled but be recycled. European Directive. 162,000 farms given it the green light to proceed. However, if it is uneconomic or generate one tonne of plastics waste This delay is frustrating when impossible to recycle for a year. Currently this is stored, London urgently needs about eight environmental reasons, the energy burned or buried. The BPF is more Energy-from-Waste should be recovered by waste involved with the Government in incinerators in addition to the incineration.
Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 4 Autumn 2005 7 PLASTIC WASTE – TOXIC RUBBISH OR STRATEGIC RESOURCE? Techniques to Identify, Sort and Recycle Mixed Plastics Waste
Graham Hearn, Wolfson Electrostatics, University of Southampton
Introduction are spectroscopy and electrostatics. The pilot rig features a conveyor The importance of effective, The spectroscopic system uses the belt which can be loaded with practical and economically viable fact that wavelengths in the infra- mixed packaging materials such as recycling of consumer products and red region are absorbed differently plastic bottles, food tubs etc. industrial materials is widely by different polymers giving each Plastics are first separated from non- recognised. The proliferation in plastic a unique fingerprint. The plastics by measuring charge decay everyday life of plastics in their electrostatic technique measures the time (natural materials such as various forms, including mouldings, magnitude and polarity of charge paper, cardboard and wood exhibit fabrics, packaging materials and generated by the plastic and how a much faster charge decay rate films, presents a particular challenge quickly it decays from the surface. than plastic). The five main plastics in respect of recycling. In many These techniques complement each found in packaging; polyethylene products plastic often constitutes other: the system based on (HDPE), PET, polypropylene, PVC the largest single mass of material. spectroscopy gives precise and polystyrene are then streamed A crucial stage in recycling plastics identification but is relatively complex using a phenomenon known as is identification and if possible the and expensive whereas electrostatics “triboelectrification” (derived from sorting of waste plastics into clean provides a cheap and simple means the Greek verb tribo: to rub). single polymer streams. This is of streaming basic polymer groups. Triboelectrification describes the important for the following reasons: Waste packaging electrical charge that is generated ● Different polymer types are often During 2000-2002 the Onyx when two unlike surfaces are incompatible in remould/re- Environmental Trust sponsored a brought into contact and then extrusion project at Southampton University separated, for example the sole of a ● Specific plastics are chosen for to develop an automated pilot-scale shoe and nylon carpet. Positive (+) their mechanical/physical system using electrostatic charge is generated on one surface properties techniques to identify and separate with negative (-) charge on the other. Depending on their position ● Toxic and banned additives may different species of plastics from a in the triboelectric series (fig. 1), be present in some plastics eg mixed waste stream. The objectives polymers have their own natural BFR, Heavy metals were to: electrical characteristics with some ● ● Pure polymers command higher Separate plastics from non- tending to + and others -. When prices plastics (cardboard etc) the unknown plastic packaging is If separation cannot be achieved ● Segregate different polymer brought into contact with a prior to melt and reforming, the groups triboelectric probe then depending effective recycling of materials ● Identify presence of toxic and on the probe head material and the cannot be undertaken. In recent banned substances polarity of the static charge years the need to identify, sort and ● Simple reliable technique and produced, the unknown plastic may stream plastic waste has been given suited to automated line be identified. A mixture of extra impetus by directives such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene ● "End of Life Vehicles" (ELV) and Handle the required throughput (PP) for example, which are "Waste Electrical and Electronic ● Handle variations in size, incompatible polymers in recycling, Equipment" (WEEE). differences in shape, can be distinguished between using Two of the most successful contamination, moisture, labels a probe with a PVC head because techniques for plastics identification etc. PE charges + and PP charges -.
8 Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 4 Autumn 2005 simple in operation, relatively on large items (eg car panels) and Positive End inexpensive to produce and has a small objects down to about 10mm. Polyamide (Nylon) number of proven and potential The 3-second measurement is non- Polycarbonate applications. The Tribopen won a destructive and does not usually Millennium Products Award from require modification or treatment of the UK Government in 1999. the sample in any way. The optical PMMA (acrylic) ABS/PS.HIPS The Tribopen, which is currently cell design directs the IR beam to Metals commercially available, is essentially the sample by means of a series of a small battery-operated hand-held mirrors. The computer then PBT device which, when rubbed across compares the spectrum of the Polypropylene the surface, will distinguish between reflected light with a database or PVC two different plastic types. It "library" of pre-programmed spectra PVDF indicates the plastic type by stored within the computer. Polyethylene illuminating a small red or green Different libraries are available for PTFE (Teflon) light. It has a single detachable different applications, and can be sensor head that can be simply easily set up by the user in order to Negative End removed and replaced and choice of deal with specific materials of sensor will depend on the plastic interest. This technique has also Figure 1. Triboelectric series containing shown promise in the detection of some materials of interest in recycling. materials to be identified. A typical The materials in bold italics are metals and application would be to separate a brominated flame retardants in speciality plastics which have been mixture of three unknown plastics, waste electrical and electronic investigated as probe head materials. say polyethylene (PE), equipment (WEEE) which are polypropylene (PP) and ABS into currently being phased out in the Waste electrical & electronic three individual streams. In this EU. equipment (WEEE) case, two pens would be required. An important aspect of the PolyAna The European WEEE directive The first pen could be used to pick technology is that it enables the requires certain percentages by out PE (PE giving a red light and PP user to develop custom databases. weight of all categories of domestic and ABS giving green). A second This is critically important for the electrical equipment to be recycled. pen (with a different sensor head to recycling industry because more In many cases this involves the first) would split PP and ABS. If often than not recycled materials are dismantling of equipment followed there are four unknown plastics in not pure polymers and a custom by identification and segregation of the initial stream then three pens database is essential. plastic parts – primarily casings. will be required, and so on. Wolfson Electrostatics latest project Obviously if a large number of Sliding Spark is in collaboration with the unknown materials are present in This instrument is essentially a Hampshire Natural Resources Trust the initial stream, the Tribopen more sophisticated derivative of the and others to produce the UK’s first application becomes impractical and old-fashioned burn and sniff WEEE recycling plant in which a device such as the PolyAna (see techniques used some years ago as a plastics are fully characterised. In below) may be more appropriate. crude identifier of polymers. A order for this to be successful, rapid Picking out a single material, such high energy spark is used to burn identification of basic polymer types as PVC, from a variety of unknown the surface to be identified. This is and the presence of brominated plastic types would require just two done by means of a hand-held flame retardants and other single pens or a double-headed pen probe but may be used with an contaminants and banned (a design for a double-headed pen automated probe. The fumes from substances is essential. This is is under consideration). the burnt surface are then currently being achieved by a PolyAna transferred by means of a vacuum line to a spectrometer chamber combination of the techniques Like the Tribopen, the PolyAna where they are analysed and the described below. plastics identification system was material under test identified. The developed at the University of Tribopen primary use for this instrument on a Southampton in a collaborative The use of the electrical or WEEE recycling line is for detection project funded by the Ford Motor electrostatic properties of a material of banned or potentially hazardous Company some years ago and also as a basis for identification and materials such as PVC, heavy metals won a Millennium Product Award sorting was pioneered at the and brominated flame retardants. University of Southampton some from the UK Government in 1999. years ago. The Tribopen was The key to the PolyAna is an optical originally developed at the cell design and front-end software Further information on the activities University with the sponsorship of that enables a laboratory of Wolfson Electrostatics can be the Ford Motor Company and uses spectrometer to be used on an found on the web at electrostatic techniques to divide industrial recycling line by non- www.soton.ac.uk/~wolfson. materials into two streams. It is technical personnel. It can be used Email: [email protected]
Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 4 Autumn 2005 9 PLASTIC WASTE – TOXIC RUBBISH OR STRATEGIC RESOURCE?
Used plastic – resource for the future
Dr Roger Morton, Director, Axion Recycling Ltd
xion Recycling Ltd recycling a wide range of sources of (www.axionrecycling.com) waste plastic in the UK and was founded in 2001 to provides pointers for how legislators A can change the way they work to develop new projects in the waste recycling sector. Since then Axion encourage investors in this sector. has developed a process design for People hate wasting plastic pyrolysis of mixed waste plastics to Recycling plastics is complex produce a hydrocarbon liquid fuel – Politicians are well aware that most "Plasoil" and has conducted a great people in the UK really dislike There are many different types of deal of self-funded research and throwing away plastic. plastic and most are not compatible development of novel plastic Axion recently conducted large scale with each other. They contain a separation techniques. The segregated kerbside plastic wide range of additives and colours. business has also carried out collection and separation trials in Some of the additives used in older consultancy work in related sectors. collaboration with WRAP products are no longer permitted in Clients include: (www.wrap.org.uk) and Stockport new items. ● UK PVC Recycling Consortium - Council. As part of these trials we Complex separation processes are practical trials of novel recycling conducted a survey of the residents therefore required to separate plastic methods and implementation of in the target collection areas. from other materials with which the Recovinyl PVC recycling Participation in the survey was very they are often combined such as initiative for the UK PVC industry. high and the overwhelming metals, wood and paper and then to response (99%) of residents was ● Hampshire Natural Resources that they would be prepared to separate within the plastics by Trust – an ongoing, practical pilot segregate their plastic for collection polymer type and additive content project to test de-manufacturing on a permanent basis. or colour. and separation processes for small These technologies are developing WEEE items. Anecdotal evidence indicates that similar opinions prevail regarding rapidly. It is now technically ● Stockport Council - kerbside other sources of waste plastic such feasible to recover and separate collection trials for mixed plastics as electrical equipment and most sources of waste plastic in from 1800 homes and tests of construction. their original form at reasonable advanced separation processes for cost without resorting to mixed household waste plastic. There is plenty of it incineration or other thermal ● WRAP – major project to develop There is a huge amount of valuable techniques. a process to extract brominated plastic going to landfill in the UK. flame retardants from WEEE Axion’s estimate of the recoverable Life cycle analysis polymers. quantity is: Mechanical recycling is separation ● Greenergy Fuels – practical trials and purification of plastic particles and business planning for Waste source Recoverable without changing their chemical production of biodiesel from a plastic form by incineration or other range of waste and new in the UK chemical transformation. feedstocks. (te/yr) Life cycle analysis demonstrates that Axion is currently developing a Electrical equipment 300,000 for the great majority of plastic plant of its own to process waste Construction 200,000 products mechanical recycling is by electrical equipment plastics in far the best environmental option. Sheffield. Vehicle and related An environmental impact This paper is based on Axion’s waste 200,000 comparison was completed recently practical experience of plastic Household waste 900,000 for Axion and WRAP by Huisman recycling in the UK. It makes the Total 1,800,000 Recycling Research in the political and environmental case for Netherlands. Huisman compared
10 Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 4 Autumn 2005 the environmental impacts of a range of disposal and recycling options for plastics from waste J F C Delleve Plastics electrical equipment that contain brominated flame retardants. These options included solvolysis, Ltd mechanical, feedstock, incineration and landfill and confirmed mechanical recycling as the best Lee Clayton, General Manager option. Although recycling processes for The capacity of the plant is 20,000 plastic create some environmental am the manager of the UK’s only commercial scale plastic tons per annum and the primary impact themselves (unlike landfill feedstock is mixed bottles. The where plastic is assumed to have Irecycling plant. The company is materials processed include minimal environmental impact primarily in business to make a profit for our shareholders from our segregated HDPE and mixed bottles. because it does not degrade) the expertise in processing plastic The plant produces feedstock such fact that they create useful material waste. However, in order to do so as PET flake and coloured HDPE which can substitute new polymer we have to be internationally flake, with products made from saves all of the environmental competitive due to the flourishing feedstock such as PET non-woven impact of creating that new offshore market for plastic waste fibre and natural HPDE compound. polymer. with which we must be able to The demand for recycled plastics is People are doing it in the UK compete effectively. 7000 tons per year for HDPE pipe There is already a vibrant plastic I am also personally responsible for and 2000 tons per year for HDPE recycling sector in the UK. For the following activities: management compound, 6000 tons per year for example 40,000te/year of rigid PVC of the plant, development of new clear PET flake and 2000 tons per is recycled in the UK. However, processes, material procurement, year for multi-coloured PET flake. with a few notable exceptions, the overview of Government legislation, New recycled products for 2005 existing recyclers concentrate almost product sales from the St Helens include bollards, decking and exclusively on scrap from industrial plant and polymer utilisation. fencing. processes. The present company was originally So why do we recycle? The It would be a relatively small step called Reprise Ltd and as a result of economic benefits are clear: cheaper for these recyclers to move into a recent development involving the feed stocks are obtained, reprocessing dirtier, more co- relocation of the factory in St competitive advantage is gained, and end-use manufacturers are not mingled materials such as Helens costing £4 million, it at the mercy of resin producers. In household plastic or waste electrical became the first plant in the UK to recycle polyvinyl chloride (PVC), addition there is a legislative drive equipment. They are deterred by a from Government on green combination of legislative factors polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and high-density polyethylene procurement and businesses that which could easily be solved with a (HDPE) bottles. However, the plant fail to recognise this will lose out. bit of political will. is still underfunded and The public benefits of the St Helens Firm action needed from underdeveloped with respect to the plant can be briefly summarised as legislators rest of Europe. In the UK 450,000 follows. The plant provides a The basic legislative framework for tons of bottles are produced convenient UK-based facility as a encouraging plastic recycling in the annually but only 45,000 tons are practical alternative to export for UK is already in place. It is just not collected, resulting in wastage of Local Authorities. It is the only working effectively. The following plastic raw materials. This is an plant in the UK equipped to process legislation is most relevant: indicator of the potential for batches of mixed bottles thus expanding the business in the UK. reducing the need for prior ● Landfill Directive A new partnership project costing segregation of waste streams. There ● Packaging Waste Directive £3.5m over three years has is increased throughput of ● End of Life Vehicle (ELV) therefore been developed with the segregated materials, and for Directive Waste and Resources Action manufacturers a 50% saving on ● Waste Electrical and Electronic Programme (WRAP) with the costs of primary raw materials. It Equipment (WEEE) Directive objectives of improving the also provides an alternative source efficiency of sorting. This enables of supply for other manufacturers of Legislators in the UK need to the plant to handle mixed waste recycled products. enforce this legislation much more streams derived from waste boldly, consistently and firmly than An outline specification of the St collections which are now changing Helens plant provides some idea of they have to date. If they do, to mixed plastics. The new sorting the economic and social importance existing plastic recyclers will procedures are less labour intensive, of this activity in helping to reach quickly develop the confidence to are more accurate than and twice UK and EU eco-environmental invest in the technologies required the speed of manual sorting and targets at the same time as running and the UK sector will quickly include a new bottle sorting and a profitable business from a site become the pride of Europe. washing plant. with a relatively small footprint.
Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 4 Autumn 2005 11 The annual throughput is now Environment Agency to issue sold in the UK; 15.2 million bottles 20,000 tons of mixed bottles. Forty Packaging Waste Recovery Notes have been imported from Europe staff are employed to maintain the (PRN’S). These are designed to for processing here to compensate continuous operation of the plant ensure that industry takes full for the shortage of plastic waste for 24 hours a day, seven days a responsibility for packaging wastes resulting from export of UK bottles week, which is the target for 2005. generated as a result of their to the Far East. This is a successful The whole plant covers only commercial activities. business doing a valuable job in 100,000 square ft. It is fully The achievements of Delleve so far reducing waste delivered to landfill registered as a site for handling include the diversion of 1000 tons which is increasingly restrictive, and domestic waste. It is also certified of bottles from export to the UK for in helping to maximise the re-use of to ship processed material to the Far processing here; 120 million bottles valuable and expensive raw East and is registered with the have been converted into products materials.
In discussion the following points were made: The UK has now become a net importer of energy for the first time, hence plastic waste could provide a source of high quality fuel to help fill the gap. Plastic waste can be mixed with lower grade waste to provide an effective fuel for incineration. Battersea Power Station could become London’s incinerator. Dioxins generated from plastic incineration are only one tenth of the amount generated on Guy Fawkes night. This view was vigorously contested as a dreadful waste of a valuable resource. It might soon be economically desirable to commence mining landfill to recover polymers, methane and plastics. Plastic waste should be buried as remanufactured pipe having 100 years of useful life, not as rubbish. It is a finite resource and just takes some effort to process. So what do we do now? More recycling should be encouraged, aided by identification of the plastic type used at the manufacturing stage to enable better separation of waste streams. The current practice of exporting most of this product overseas may solve the problem of disposal for local authorities, but may not be in the longer term national interest. Fraud has impacted negatively on the market for waste. Post-consumer plastic waste is a strategic resource with many valuable end uses.
UK Plastics Industry basic statistics Material processed 4.8 million tonnes Processing sales turnover £13.6bn Value of direct exports £3.6bn People employed 190,000 Total number of firms over 5,000, most very small
UK Plastics Consumption by Market Sector Packaging 36% Building & Construction 23% Electrical & Electronic 11% Automotive and other transport 8% Furniture 5% Leisure 4% Housewares 3% Agriculture 3% Medical 2% Mechanical Engineering 2% Clothes & Footwear 1% Others 3%
UK Plastics Consumption by Polymer Type ABS 235kt PET 235kt EPS 57kt PP 764kt HDPE 544kt PS 260kt LDPE 1002kt PVC 777kt
Overview of UK Plastics Industry – the British Plastics Federation (see page 6)
12 Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 4 Autumn 2005 PARLIAMENTARY LINKS DAY – TUESDAY 21ST JUNE 2005 Blair Praises "Thriving" Links Day
The PM speaking from the podium at Links Day
n Wednesday 22nd June "Science will be particularly audience of Parliamentarians, the Prime Minister, Rt Hon important in dealing with killer scientists and engineers in the OTony Blair MP, praised the diseases in Africa," said Mr Blair at House itself in a generation. From Royal Society of Chemistry’s the Despatch Box "and the science the very start it was standing room Parliamentary Links Day as a and technology behind dealing with only. "thriving all-party occasion" which climate change is also crucial." For his part the Prime Minister he had been "delighted to attend" He added: "That is why it is so praised Links Day calling it "the during exchanges in the Chamber of important that science forms a foremost scientific gathering in the the House of Commons at Prime strong part of what we do in the Parliamentary calendar." He added: Minister’s Questions. G8" and on this point all the UK "This theme you have chosen for science community agreed with this year – the contribution of The day before the Prime Minister him. had attended the annual science and engineering to our Parliamentary Links Day in PM’s Unprecedented Appearance policy priorities at the G8 Summit Parliament which was co-hosted by The Prime Minister’s appearance at in Gleneagles – could not be more Dr Brian Iddon MP and Dr Andrew Links Day, introduced by Dr Brian timely. These two issues are, as you Murrison MP. Iddon MP, was unprecedented and know, very important to me and to the Attlee Suite was overflowing the government. But most of the The theme was Science and the G8 with MPs, Peers and scientists. problems faced by modern Agenda which concentrated on the Dr Iddon thanked the RSC for its governments cannot be solved by Government’s twin priorities of leadership role in Parliament and governments alone. Tackling these Climate Change and Africa at the observed that no sitting Prime issues also depends crucially on G8 Summit. Minister had addressed such an you: our scientists and engineers."
Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 4 Autumn 2005 13 RSC President Dr Simon F Campbell drew attention to the terrible death toll from malaria (which far exceeds HIV/AIDS) and drew on his direct personal experience as Chair of the Expert Scientific Advisory Panel of the Medicines for Malaria Venture which had built up a strong R&D portfolio of over 20 drug projects involving academic and industry partners. The succeeding series of scientific presentations was begun by Professor Alan Thorpe, chief executive of the Natural Environment Research Council, speaking on behalf of the Institute The Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP, Secretary of State for International Development of Physics. With 40 years’ experience of weather models, he Science and Engineering Working will suffer the consequences in said, it can now be demonstrated Together declining prosperity. And that is unequivocally that the climate The Prime Minister’s acceptance of why I am delighted to be here, to changes that have occurred can only the invitation to attend Links Day recognise the excellent work that be accounted for by including was recognition of the importance you have done." human activity and it is the that this Parliamentary event now The Prime Minister’s contribution to developed world that has caused has for science and engineering. Links Day followed that of the this problem. He said global The growing success of Links Day Secretary of State for International warming in the first part of the 20th has enabled the most important Development, the Rt Hon Hilary Century was mainly attributable to scientific societies in the UK to Benn MP, and preceded solar variation whereas in the latter work closer together. The Prime contributions from the part it was mainly due to increasing Minister himself recognised this Government’s Chief Scientific CO2. when he thanked the RSC’s "partner Adviser, Sir David King, the He was followed by Professor organisations". Minister for Science and Innovation, Monique Simmonds from the Speakers this year came from the Lord Sainsbury of Turville, and Institute of Biology who described Institute of Physics, the Institute of other distinguished scientists and the vital role of PROTA (Plant Biology, the Royal Society, the Royal engineers. Resources of Tropical Africa) and other seed bank initiatives carried Academy of Engineering, and the The Political and Scientific out at Kew Gardens. Examples of Royal Society of Chemistry. Other Contributions potential research and organisations that have always given In his keynote address Mr Benn strong support to the event include environmental applications include spoke about the partnership of the loss of biodiversity in the dry the Campaign for Science and scientists and policymakers in the Engineering [CaSE]. sands of South Africa, and fight against poverty and disease – restoration following the impacts of "Science Teachers of the Year" especially in Africa – and described mining in tropical West Africa Awards some of the initiatives being where a detailed knowledge of The Prime Minister also presented pioneered by the Department for plants is needed to help reclaim the awards to "teachers of the year" in International Development. He land. physics, biology and chemistry to paid tribute to the role of Dr Ian Dr Stephen Cox, Executive highlight their vital role: Gibson MP’s Select Committee in Secretary of the Royal Society, "It is our teachers on whom we the establishment of a Chief explained the joint initiative taken depend for inspiring, encouraging Scientific Adviser at DfID. by national science academies of all and training the next generation of Mr Benn also emphasised the role of the G8 nations (and other key scientists. Progress now depends science in solving the problems that countries like India) entitled "Joint on knowledge to a degree humanity faced and DfID’s key role science academies statement: Global unmatched in any previous era. in building up the scientific capacity response to climate change" which Unless we reward and value the of countries to deal with them and advocated the building up of people who transfer knowledge concluded that the G8 represented a scientific capacity, especially in from one generation to the next we real opportunity to make progress. Africa, to train its own scientists
14 Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 4 Autumn 2005 and technologists and build its own scientific equipment. Professor Ian Fells, speaking on behalf of the Royal Academy of Engineering, pointed out that by 2023, under present arrangements, there will be only one nuclear power station left in the UK. He made a robust contribution to the morning session advocating a nuclear component to the UK energy mix (as outlined in the Energy White Paper) as well as an increased emphasis on renewables as part of a concerted effort in CO2 reduction. Concluding the scientific presentations Dr Andrea Jackson of the Royal Society of Dr Andrea Jackson, the Royal Society of Chemistry Chemistry and the University of Leeds used current research to key issue of global warming caused Exeter demonstrated a large number describe the complexities of the by human activity and outlined the of environmental impacts, such as carbon cycle in nature. evolving process of international plankton blooms, loss of cod off Sir David King concluded with a discussion on climate change – of Scotland, and acidification of the survey of the scientific debate on which the July G8 summit was only oceans. The high temperatures climate change and the narrowing one part. The February 2005 from the 1940s and 1950s are now areas of scientific uncertainty on the conference at the Hadley Centre in our average summer values. Climate change creates further stress, such as life expectancy in Africa, which already has the lowest life expectancy in the world. And it is possible that climate change poses a greater threat to wildlife in Africa than poaching. Sir David also urged all scientific societies to work with the Chief Scientific Officers across Government Departments and with the Select Committees. Dr Andrew Murrison MP, in winding up, praised the positive impact of such a high profile Parliamentary Links Day and the large number of MPs who had already signed Early Day Motion 328 which noted "the Society’s continuing commitment to serve the public interest" by improving the access of all MPs to scientific information and a better understanding of science which its pioneering Parliamentary Link Scheme had been set up over 20 years ago to provide. Meanwhile the scientists and engineers at this year’s Links Day showed that they stand ready to help deliver the solutions needed to Sir David King, Chief Scientific Adviser fulfil the ambitious G8 Agenda.
Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 4 Autumn 2005 15 The advent of a new industrial revolution and the Airbus A350 wing
Paul Chivers, VP Head of A350 Wing, Airbus UK
new industrial revolution is aircraft model, whilst gaining direct spares and maintenance under way as composite operational experience. It has also commonality with the A330, whilst Amaterials increasingly replace played a key role in the research new systems will bring more traditional metals in engineering and development of these materials. savings in maintenance costs. applications ranging from As Airbus’ Centre of Excellence for The A350 has surpassed automotive to marine and wing design and manufacture, expectations since marketing construction to aerospace. The Britain, through Airbus UK, has commenced some nine months ago, attraction is the increase in both studied the application of having already achieved strength and stiffness to weight composites to wing technology and commitments for 130 aircraft from ratios offered by composite or "non- invested substantially in this field. eight customers. With A350 in its metallic" materials. The DTI supported R&D product range Airbus expects to win Composites are produced from two programmes since the mid 1990s half of the market for 3,000 aircraft or more materials, a "reinforcement" involving many other British in the 250-300 seat aircraft category material brings the strength and companies and specialist bodies that during the next 20 years. The A350 stiffness to the composite, while the have provided advances and several has 13 per cent more seats, more resin binds the reinforcement and "demonstrators". These include the range, lower fuel burn per seat and transfers loads and often protects it study of structural properties and lower Cash Operating Costs per seat from abrasion and impact. development of low-cost than its competitor, Boeing’s new manufacturing and assembly of 787. Early orders received by This brings direct benefits in the increasingly larger components. Airbus have reinforced the form of: high strength to weight This led to the opening, earlier this company’s approach for long range ratio; high stiffness to weight ratio; year, of the Composite Structures aircraft for the future. corrosion resistant materials; and Development Centre at Airbus UK’s Airbus has been refining the design impact resistant materials. These site in Filton, Bristol, which forms bring other indirect benefits by of the A350 since the start of this part of the UK’s National year and the aircraft will have 90 decreasing weight, for example, Composites Network. The centre which increases fuel efficiency that per cent new part numbers and 60 also provides capacity for use by per cent of the structure will be of has the potential to reduce running other industries. advanced materials, including costs and aircraft noise. Airbus is preparing to introduce the composites, and third-generation Fibre reinforced composites were new A350, available in two aluminium lithium. invented in the UK several decades versions, for entry into service in The A350 will be the first Airbus ago. It would therefore be a 2010 in response to a demand from commercial airliner to have regrettable industrial own-goal not its customers for a new aircraft with composite wings, marking a turning to seize this opportunity to move more range and more seats than its point from metals to composites. into the "composite manufacturing successful and popular A330. The This is significant for Britain, the age". Airbus’ newest aircraft model, A350-800 will have a range of the A350, represents that 8,800 nautical miles, typically opportunity. seating 253 passengers in three Technology and innovation, as well classes and the A350-900 has a as a market-led approach, are the range of 7,500 nautical miles, foundation of Airbus’ success as a seating 300 passengers, providing European aircraft manufacturer, the efficiency and economic benefits resulting in its current position as airlines expect from Airbus. Flight the world’s leading aircraft deck commonality brings the crew manufacturer. Airbus, since its training and operational efficiency creation over 30 years ago, has been of Cross Crew Qualification (CCQ) progressively increasing the ratio of and Mixed Fleet Flying (MFF) and composite materials in each new the aircraft will have significant Typical wing build
16 Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 4 Autumn 2005 home of Airbus wing design and aircraft and provide the lightest manufacture. Carbon fibre solution. The technology selected reinforced plastic (CFRP) will will use a two stage curing process replace traditional aluminium alloy due to the size of the component for the spars and upper and lower and to overcome the complexities of surface covers of the wings for the the wing surfaces that have double first time. This is a step forward in curvature. The first stage will the application of composites to produce a "hard" skin upon which wings, where composites have stringers in a "soft" condition are previously been used mainly on the then positioned. The second stage leading and trailing edges, with that will cure the stringers to the skin in application extended on the A380 a process called co-bonding. where some of the ribs are of Each spar is C-section in shape and carbon fibre. will be attached to the upper and The A350 wings represent a lower covers using fasteners. The springboard for accelerated front spar is a single component development of new skills, with a 30 metre span from wing- techniques and expertise in box rib one to rib 39 and will taper composites and the application of from 1500mm at the root to many years of research and 200mm at the tip of the wing. development work. The composite The maximum takeoff weight components will be made up of A350 Wind Tunnel Testing at Filton (MTOW) for the aircraft will be 245 several layers of lamina plies with tonnes. This induces high loads in each ply orientated in a particular and help to reduce the aircraft’s the Main Landing Gear (MLG) direction to give a structure noise footprint. In Britain the low- support structure in the wings; optimised for strength, weight and speed wind tunnel tests are distributing the MLG loads into the stiffness. "Laying up" is performed conducted at Airbus UK in Filton covers and inner rear spar. with an automated tape layer, near Bristol. The high-speed wind Research and design trade-off requiring minimal manual tunnel tests are conducted at ARA studies have shown that when intervention whilst using in Bedford. subjected to high input loads, metal unidirectional fibre impregnated The aircraft surfaces are optimised structures currently offer the best with epoxy resin in a "soft" un- to cruise at Mach number 0.82 with solutions in these areas. cured condition. flexibility to fly up to Mach number When the lay-up is complete the The wing also acts as a fuel tank 0.85. This is achieved by component is cured in an autoclave and the mass of the fuel acting introducing a new winglet and some using heat and pressure to produce downwards offsets the air-loads re-profiling of wing surfaces, a "hard" component. This process acting upwards. This simple law of including a leading edge extension ensures that each ply is physics results in a complex trade (LEX) combined with the droop consolidated to produce a between aircraft weight and lift for nose inboard of the engine pylon. monolithic structure during the various points in the flight from Whilst the droop nose was curing process. The component is take-off to cruise and landing. The introduced to improve lift, the then ultrasonically tested using a A350 tank arrangement is optimised droop nose and LEX also decrease non-destructive test (NDT) that for the composite wing with a new high-speed drag and reduce the fuel checks for flaws within the wing fuel tank arrangement. This burn penalty from increasing the laminate. Some limited machining will consist of a tip-to-tip simple Mach cruise speed. is then performed, if necessary, to three tank arrangement, compared The A350 will create 10,800 jobs in trim the component to size and at to the five tank arrangement on the the UK aerospace sector and a interfaces with other components, A330. further 21,600 jobs in the wider so ensuring appropriate tolerances The new wing is being investigated economy from induced are achieved when the parts are using extensive aerodynamic testing employment, with Britain playing a assembled. in a wind tunnel. This includes full and important role in the For the A350, each upper and lower shaping the wing surfaces to programme. As more composites cover will be manufactured as a optimise aerodynamic performance replace metal in future aircraft and single piece laminate with a span of resulting in fuel-saving, which the application of composites 30 metres and a chord of six metres together with close-coupled GEnx increases elsewhere, the A350 wing at its widest point. This will be the engines and a wing droop nose represents a vital step forward in the largest single composite structure device, similar to that used on the development of composite ever manufactured for a commercial A380, will enhance performance industrial technology in Britain.
Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 4 Autumn 2005 17 STATE OF THE NATION REPORT 2005 An assessment of the state of the UK’s infrastructure by the Institution of Civil Engineers
Gordon Masterton, ICE Senior Vice-President
he Institution of Civil Scotland, Wales as well as the North improvement this year, since the Engineers (ICE) is one of the West, South West and West quiet demise of the "Ten Year Tmost important sources of Midlands of England – are being Transport Plan". Sustainable professional expertise in road and produced, in conjunction with the transport may have become better rail transport, water supply and UK-wide publication. understood, but while the feelings treatment, flood manangement, The State of the Nation report is an of guilt and worry amongst the waste and energy. Established in opportunity for politicians and the public may have increased, 1818, it has over 75,000 members public to join the debate about the spending and decision-making by throughout the world – including future of the UK’s infrastructure. government has not. over 60,000 in the UK. Civil engineers are thinking Rail: Network Rail should be The 2005 ICE State of the Nation radically about the future of commended on the 16% reduction report will be launched on Tuesday infrastructure, such as turning in delays due to infrastructure 18 October. This annual residual waste into energy and the repairs and maintenance, but its examination of the UK’s introduction of road user pricing. reported underspend in 2004/2005 infrastructure is compiled each year The window of opportunity to effect by about £800 million is worrying. by a panel of experts drawn from remedies, repairs and renewals is rapidly closing, if society is not to suffer. Roads: Congestion continues to be the various fields of expertise across a major concern of road users in ICE’s membership. Some of the key findings of this year’s report include: towns and cities across the UK, with This year, six regional versions of delays occurring due to accidents the State of the Nation report – Transport and road works still causing the covering Northern Ireland, Transport has made little most frustration. The situation is unlikely to change while car journeys continue to rise and local roads across the UK need maintenance. Journeys on roads are increasing and congestion has to be tackled to create shorter journey times. It is time that a national debate on road charging begins in earnest. Local Transport: Travellers have to be persuaded that their journey by public transport will be comfortable, affordable and seamless to shift away from our car- first culture. The report supports the encouragement being given to Passenger Transport Executives to improve the safety and security of local transport services, and the important part that integrated local transport is playing in Regional Sellafield, BNFL Spatial Strategies.
18 Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 4 Autumn 2005 Aviation: The last 12 months have seen air travel from UK airports continue its climb back to levels before 9/11. The steep growth is adding to the pressure for more runway capacity in all parts of the country but most immediately in the South East. Delivery of road and rail access infrastructure has continued to be hampered by funding and programming delays, threatening efforts to achieve a shift by passengers and airport employees onto public transport. Seaports: British seaports are as essential to the national economy today as they have always been. 97% of the goods that enter and leave the country do so by sea. The current lack of deep-sea container Wastewater Treatment Facility, Bury, Greater Manchester, United Utilities/MHW ports in the UK is already forcing trade to northern Europe, making larger. The only real alternative is Communities for the future the goods we buy more expensive. to invest very soon in a mixed range Affordability of housing continues We must start to regard planned of domestic fuel sources, in which to be a concern. In 1995, the new ports as parts of a national nuclear, clean coal and renewable average house price was three times network moving goods in and out power sources each play a the average annual salary. 10 years of the country and not purely as significant part. later, it is five-and-a-half times the separate commercial entities Flood Management average salary and out of the reach without any effect beyond their The total investment in flood of most key workers. The immediate area. Concentrated in management has increased Government’s competition, as part the south east, the new major ports significantly year-on-year, reaching of its Homes For All strategy, to will put enormous extra strain on around £560 million in 2004/2005. design and build "the £60,000 the region’s road and rail networks. The target of providing improved house" is a step in the right Water & Wastewater protection to 80,000 properties in direction, as is the decision to allow The water we drink in the UK has the three years up to the end of rural local authorities to set aside never been cleaner or safer. But it is 2005/2006 is in sight. However, land purely for affordable housing also becoming scarcer. Our water this still leaves many thousands to meet local needs. supply is being put under pressure more at significant risk. by factors ranging from climate Recognising the seriousness of the Sustainability and the change, low rainfall and ageing issue, the Government has invested environment delivery structure, to changes in the heavily in recent years to repair and A few more admirable initiatives, population, urban population improve flood defences, widen sound strategies and good growth and the increasing use of coverage of flood warning schemes intentions – that is as far as progress appliances such as power showers. and produce new flood maps. on sustainability has gone in 2004/2005. Although measures to The job of renewing the distribution Waste network could take at least 200 put sustainability policies into In this country, waste is seen as an years, even at today’s unprecedented practice are being felt, there has not end – a dead end – rather than a rate of investment. been much evidence of cultural means. That view has to change. change at the level of individuals, Energy Waste is an energy resource, and at Another year has gone by without a time when the UK’s own existing communities and businesses. any significant new generating sources of energy are dimming, it Changes to financial incentives can capacity being built. Upgrades to could help fill the fuel gap, just as it help, but there are obstacles barring the electricity transmission and is doing in other European states. progress that can only be broken distribution networks are taking National and local government need down if everyone understands that place at a slow pace. As the UK to assess the technical and they must play a part in protecting becomes more dependent on economic scope for reprocessing our health, quality of life and imported gas, the prospect of the and treatment facilities, and prosperity. The UK must overcome nation losing control of its energy opportunities for communities and the "why bother" mindset to put supply, and with it a grip on prices businesses to make best use of the sustainability at the heart of our and carbon emissions looms ever resources these facilities produce. infrastructure decisions.
The report can be viewed and downloaded at: www.uk-infrastructure.org.uk For more information about ICE or the report, you can contact the ICE External Relations team on 0207 665 2151
Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 4 Autumn 2005 19 VISIONS OF SCIENCE PHOTOGRAPHIC AWARDS Diversity in Science
he winning images from this year’s Novartis and The TDaily Telegraph Visions of Science Photographic Awards are an extraordinarily diverse and intriguing set of images. Not only is the subject matter of the winning images wide-ranging – including a view of a hatching mosquito, a close-up of salt and pepper, an artist’s impression of a migraine attack and care of a premature baby – but once again the images have the ability to intrigue people with their unusual depiction of everyday occurrences and objects. It is this ability to capture people’s interest and attention through creative imagery that lies at the heart of Visions of Science. Surface tension by Robert Anderson – Einstein Year Award - winner Organised by Novartis, the competition is run with the specific The surface tension of water can support even a metal paperclip. By photographing it using a grill aim of reminding viewers of the in front of the light source, the deformation of the water caused by the clip's weight can be seen. breadth, depth and wonder of science. Often, a caption is vital in Eggs by Dr Christian Laforsch – Art – highly commended finding out the story behind the Each of these empty pockets once held a Culex mosquito larva. The eggs are laid in rafts on the surface captivating images. of still water. Culex is the most widespread mosquito in the world, and can transmit several diseases. Taken by entrants with a wide range of backgrounds, including professors, doctors, researchers, scanning electron microscopists, artists, photographers and students, we are given a privileged insight into their private worlds of research, discovery and creativity. The images have been captured using many different techniques from state-of-the-art scientific and computer imaging, to standard and digital cameras, and it is this diversity of technique that allows us to see a view of science that perhaps we have never seen before. With entry numbers up by 60 per cent this year to over 2,200, judging was as lively as ever, with fierce debate about some images – whether over the content, quality or impact value! As judge and television presenter, Adam Hart- Davis says, "The variety of subjects championing a particular favourite the categories that people are and styles was splendid and picking photograph." invited to enter. The main the winners was, as ever, extremely The creation of a set of such diverse categories encourage a view of difficult, with judges noisily images comes about in part through science in various forms including:
20 Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 4 Autumn 2005 Close-up, Action, People, science. We are delighted with the winning images are produced, Concepts and Art. Special awards continuing interest in the awards." which tour science and arts centres include Medicine and Life and Novartis organises Visions of around the UK. The main Einstein Year Award. A very Science as part of its ongoing exhibition began its tour at the popular new award, Art meets commitment to science and health Science Museum, London on 29 Science, was added this year, education. Every year, sets of the September. looking for photographs of artists’ work that has been inspired by science – whether a painting, sculpture or installation. The judges were in agreement that the painting of a barn as seen during a migraine attack was a clear winner, produced by artist and migraine sufferer Debbie Ayles. There were many new winning entrants this year, including Karen Neill, an artist in residence who produced a stunning image of "liquid crystals" from her work on mapping behavioural characteristics of fluid. Past winners receiving awards again this year include David McCarthy, an electron microscopist (also the 2005 Overall Winner) for his fun image of "salt and pepper", which Adam Hart-Davis described as "delightfully simple – the sort of image that seems obvious when Cancer cell movement by Anne Weston – Medicine and Life - winner you’ve seen it, but none of us had." Cancer cells can spread through the body in a process known as metastasis. This cancer cell is Anne Weston, Scientific Officer at moving down a pore in a filter. The image was taken at Cancer Research UK. Cancer Research UK, shows us a model of cancer cell migration across a matrix and in this case, through a pore in the filter. As Anne says, "The spread of cancer cells from the primary tumour to form metastasis is vital in the understanding of cancer and this image illustrates a cell in motion." Amateur photographer Jim Greenfield is retired, and now spends much of his time capturing images of nature close-up, which is especially challenging under water. His "Cleaner prawn" image (on the back cover) really shows us science in action in the natural world. As Subhanu Saxena, President & CEO of Novartis Pharmaceuticals says, "Visions of Science is one of the only public competitions to Kangaroo care of premature baby – People – highly commended encourage links between science Kangaroo care is a technique used to help premature babies. The baby is held so that it touches the and the arts with the specific aim of skin on its parent’s chest. This is thought to allow breathing and heart rhythms to be picked up, stimulating public interest in aiding their regulation in the infant.
Every year, Novartis organises a reception within the House of Commons, giving Members of Parliament a chance to see the images. Details of the reception will follow shortly. For more information about the touring exhibition and the winning images visit www.visions-of-science.co.uk.
Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 4 Autumn 2005 21 Warning of Catastrophe: the Way Forward
Professor Bill McGuire Benfield Professor and Director, Benfield Hazard Research Centre, University College London
ore than anything else, the risk science business, however, the potential for another eruption soon. catastrophic earthquake term early warning relates to a This largely qualitative or, at best, Mand tsunami of December longer-term forecast or prediction semi-quantitative analysis, however, 26th 2004 taught us that an that provides information about a would not provide any clear effective early warning system is a hazard before it happens. Even this guidance on the likely timing of the critical element in any package of definition, however, fosters debate next earthquake or volcanic eruption. measures designed to limit the and disagreement. Does early Probabilistic forecasting: The impact of natural hazards and warning relate to the identification second element of the ideal EWS reduce the risk of disasters. At the of the potential for a particular would zero in on those threats very least, the existence of an hazard at a specific location, but regarded as most serious. A effective tsunami warning system in without accompanying knowledge combination of more detailed the Indian Ocean would have about when the hazard will be surveys of past activity and provided coastal communities in realised, or is it more specific? For contemporary monitoring would be Thailand, southern India and Sri example, a probabilistic prediction used to develop probabilistic Lanka with around two hours about a volcanic eruption two days forecasts of the timing and scale of warning, slashing the estimated ahead based upon monitoring data. the hazard under study. Current 300,000 death toll by at least a In fact, both can be considered to examples of such forecasts include a third. Combined with a programme be early warnings and both have a 62 per cent probability of an of education focusing on tsunami part to play in reducing the earthquake of magnitude 6.7 or risk, many thousands of lives could likelihood of a hazard translating greater striking the San Francisco also have been saved in Indonesia, itself into a disaster. Bay region by 2032, and a 32 per even though inhabitants of the In relation to geological hazards, cent chance of a large earthquake worst affected parts of Sumatra such as earthquakes, volcanic affecting Istanbul in the next would have had little more than 30 eruptions, tsunamis and landslides, decade. Figures like this can work minutes to reach safety. the ideal EWS would comprise a wonders in terms of focusing But what exactly is an early warning number of different elements attention on disaster preparedness system (EWS)? Various definitions designed to provide information and the whole area of disaster risk exist and the term means different and warnings about future hazards reduction. The particularly things to different people. To at a range of time-scales. worrying forecast for Istanbul, for seismologists, an EWS is a radio- Threat identification: The first example, has prompted a major based technology that provides element involves identifying initiative to ensure that critical several to a few tens of seconds potential threats capable of facilities such as schools, hospitals warning, after an earthquake has impinging upon the country or and emergency response centres are happened, that seismic waves are on region in question. Such an able to withstand the expected their way. This short, but vital, exercise would pinpoint, for levels of ground shaking. respite can permit – for example – example, "seismic gaps", where Monitoring: The third element of the automatic shutting off of gas major earthquakes are known to be an ideal geological hazard EWS supplies, the switching on of due (northern Sumatra constituted would be an effective monitoring hospital generators, and the such a gap prior to December 26th system designed to provide a short- opening of fire and ambulance 2004), and explosive volcanoes term warning of the hazard in station doors. where geological surveys or the question. No earthquake has ever To most people in the hazard and historical record have revealed the been successfully predicted, but
22 Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 4 Autumn 2005 recognised precursors, such as the ocean bed sensors capable of (International Federation of Red occurrence of foreshocks, changes detecting tsunamis formed by Cross and Red Crescent Societies). in water levels in wells, or increased submarine earthquakes. As in the The problem is that many of these emissions of radon gas may provide Pacific, these will be connected by bodies focus on reacting to natural foreknowledge of an imminent cable to floating buoys that will disasters rather than preparing for event. Monitoring ground surface send warnings via satellite to them. ECHO, for example, spends deformation, which often emergency authorities in the around 50 times more responding accompanies the strain increase that countries at risk. In terms of to humanitarian crises than it does precedes a large earthquake, can be limiting loss of life, however, such a anticipating them. accurately and precisely measured warning will be worthless unless In a progressively more crowded using the global positioning system. procedures are already in place to world in which ever larger numbers Determining whether or not a ensure its dissemination rapidly, of vulnerable people are submarine earthquake will trigger a widely and unambiguously to increasingly exposed to geological tsunami is not an exact science, but threatened coastal communities, hazards, the establishment of once formed tsunami travelling in who have been educated sufficiently effective early warning systems must deep water can be detected using a about tsunamis to know how to be embraced if we are not to system of ocean floor sensors such respond. Similarly, without risk experience a repeat of the Indian as those that have operated in the reduction measures such as Ocean tsunami tragedy – or worse. Pacific Ocean since 1964. No encouraging the growth of The development of such systems volcano erupts without precursory protective mangroves and coastal should not, however, be undertaken signs, notably swarms of small forests, ensuring that properties are in isolation, but should form part of earthquakes and swelling of the set back from the seafront, and a compendium of measures surface as magma makes its way designing and constructing buildings designed to foster a pro-active upwards. Consequently, the timing better to withstand the impact of approach in which preparedness to of the start of an eruption can be tsunamis, the level of damage and prevent disaster takes precedence predicted a few days ahead, destruction will remain very high. over response and recovery. allowing time for evacuation and Only when the scientific and hazard The pivotal role for effective natural other preparatory measures. The management components are in hazard early warning systems in science is still not sufficiently place, and interlocking seamlessly, is minimising the impacts of natural advanced, however, to predict the any geological EWS likely to hazards was emphasised in the size or duration of an eruption or achieve maximum effectiveness. recent report of the UK the timing of the climactic phase, This is a goal towards which we can Government’s Natural Hazard when most destruction occurs. The work, but it is one that is likely to Working Group* established by the monitoring of unstable terrain can take a considerable time to PM in the aftermath of the tsunami. be undertaken using the global accomplish in many parts of the The key recommendation of the positioning system, which is world. Development of such a report, which recently received the capable of detecting accelerations in system, in many countries, is likely support of the G8 meeting at movement that often precede the to be hindered by a plethora of Gleneagles, was the establishment of formation of a landslide, again factors, including a lack of political an International Science Panel for allowing time for evacuation and will, focus on other priorities, Natural Hazard Assessment to some remedial measures. insufficient funding, inadequate address the threat of potential The tripartite framework described technical or scientific skills, and natural hazards likely to have high above constitutes the scientific poorly developed institutional global or regional impact. This component of an EWS. While responsibilities and capabilities in would provide the critical first essential, the science component on the hazard management field. In element of a global EWS by its own, however, is unlikely to save many cases, putting together an identifying geophysical threats lives. The ideal geological EWS integrated EWS along the lines capable of affecting more than one must incorporate a second hazard outlined is likely to be dependent, state, highlighting those of greatest management component that is to a large degree, on help and concern and validating forecasts and concerned with effective warning support from international agencies predictions about their timing. The dissemination, appropriate public such as the UN and the European Panel, if it comes to fruition, will education, and risk reduction. It is Commission Humanitarian Office also play a role in fostering a pro- now planned to have a tsunami (ECHO), appropriate departments active approach to tackling natural warning system up and running in of developed world national hazards, which – it is to be hoped – the Indian Ocean by sometime in governments, such as DfID, and aid will help to bring about a sea- 2006, comprising a network of organisations such as the IFRC change in disaster risk reduction.
*The role of science in physical natural hazard assessment. Report to the UK Government by the Natural Hazard Working Group. June 2005. DTI. 42pp. Online at: http://www.ost.gov.uk/policy/bodies/nhwg/index.htm
Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 4 Autumn 2005 23 NHS PFI is not NHS PLC
Lord Warner, Minister of State, Department of Health
atients expect and deserve On behalf of taxpayers, the NHS bright, modern, clean must always make sure it gets best Penvironments, whether they value for money and that money is are funded by public or private spent wisely. This includes making funds. The private finance initiative sure that the design of buildings is (PFI) and other public private not only fit for purpose now, but intermediate care and local partnerships, such as NHS Local that they are suitable for generations authority services. Based on the Improvement Finance Trust (LIFT), to come. The NHS is encouraged to strategic plan, the NHS runs a are allowing us to ensure that more think about how today’s hospital competitive process to select a and more NHS patients experience designs will work in the future. private sector partner for the next fit for purpose facilities during their Mechanisms requiring this are built 20 years. The NHS and private treatment. into the business case development sector then set up a joint venture Thanks to PFI, the NHS is in the process for both PFI and public company to manage the NHS LIFT middle of the biggest hospital capital funded hospitals. project. They all own a share of the building programme in its history. There are also sensible checks in company and jointly have an After years of under-investment, the place to avoid NHS cash interest in its long-term success. infrastructure of the NHS is at last disappearing into the private sector The NHS LIFT approach establishes being modernised and made fit for due to delays or unforeseen a long-term sustainable relationship the twenty-first century. circumstances. In the event of any focused on delivering primary care A total of 80 major PFI hospital projects running behind schedule or investment and services and building projects worth over £16 over cost, PFI transfers risks onto involves the private sector where it billion have been given the go- the private sector. Taxpayers do not can add most value. ahead since 1997. Around a third have to foot the bill of cost In all, there are 50 NHS LIFT of these projects – 24 in total – are overruns, design faults, servicing projects at various stages. These already built and operational. The and maintaining projects over the schemes have delivered over 20 great majority opened their doors to lifetime of the contract. The private buildings already open to patients, patients on or ahead of schedule. sector is only paid once the facility with another 10 or so expected to is built and operational to the Critics argue that PFI makes these be open during this summer. This agreed standard and is subject to hospitals more expensive and that level of activity is expected to penalties and deductions if ongoing the investment risk is not in continue across future years. The service and maintenance falls below practice borne by the private sector. next challenge for NHS LIFT is to agreed standard. However, the Government’s deliver a new generation of modern spending watchdog, the National This is not to say that we cannot do NHS community hospitals. These Audit Office (NAO) has twice more to make sure public private state of the art centres will provide confirmed that PFI delivers value partnerships evolve to meet the diagnostics, day surgery and out for money. The NAO’s reports on NHS’ changing requirements. NHS patients facilities closer to where the business cases for the Dartford LIFT schemes in primary care are people live and work. and Gravesham and West Middlesex already allowing a long overdue PFI and NHS LIFT are about PFI schemes confirmed that both investment to take place as part of adopting the best possible approach projects are value for money, the extra £1 billion promised in the to delivering universal, offering savings of £5.1m and NHS Plan to renovate GP premises, comprehensive healthcare in up to £5.5m respectively. Just as build new one stop primary care date facilities, which is free at the importantly, the NAO revisited the centres and other primary care point of delivery. Public private Dartford and Gravesham scheme facilities. partnerships like PFI and NHS LIFT now it is open and confirmed in its The NHS LIFT approach involves are not a laboratory for market- report, published earlier this year, the local health economy – a based policy, nor are they a means that the private sector partner has, primary care trust (PCT) or a cluster of unnecessarily channelling funds to quote, "delivered the facilities of PCTs – developing a strategic to big business. They are a and services contracted for, and to a plan which incorporates its local practical, tried and tested, value for quality that overall has been primary care service needs and money way of ensuring the "old NHS" satisfactory." relationships with, for example, gets new facilities fit for the future.
24 Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 4 Autumn 2005 The Private Finance Initiative: a policy built on sand
Professor Allyson Pollock Public Health Policy Unit, School of Public Policy, UCL
ith 677 Private Finance delivered on time and on budget. reports; Modernising Construction Initiative projects worth HM Treasury research into (2001) and PFI Construction W£42.7 billion already completed PFI projects showed 88 Performance (2003)]. commissioned and many more in per cent coming in on time or early, A third study was designed to the pipeline, government and with no cost overruns on develop a method, not to evaluate commitment to PFI could not be construction borne by the public cost and time performance and has clearer. The scale of PFI projects sector. Previous research has no data on cost and time overrun has been matched by the volume shown that 70 per cent of non-PFI performance. [Agile Construction and variety of its critics, spurred on projects were delivered late and 73 Initiative: Benchmarking Stage Two by its high costs which have per cent ran over budget."3 Study (1999) cited by NAO] resulted in cuts in services, public These data have been used by the The Treasury’s own report contains exposure of PFI failures and the Government to face down no data to assess cost and time flaws in the argument. criticisms of the policy, to inform overruns and its methodology is The UK Government accepts that the Treasury’s guidance on PFI not in the public domain. private finance is more expensive appraisal, and to support the whole The fifth study, conducted by Mott than conventional procurement, but of government public-private MacDonald, a company which acts argues that the extra costs of private partnership (PPP) policy both in as a technical adviser on PFI deals, finance are offset by the transfer of the UK and abroad. More does have data but it is risk and responsibility for importantly, the data are now methodologically so flawed and performance to the private sector. incorporated into government statistically so biased that the According to the Treasury, "the guidance. For example, the revised conclusions are uninterpretable. private sector is better able to Treasury Green Book, which lays The Mott MacDonald Report is the manage many of the risks inherent down the rules for evaluating only comparative study of PFI versus in complex or large scale public procurement, requires that conventional procurement. But our investment projects than the public all estimates of construction costs in evaluation of the data revealed four sector."1 Savings in the costs of non-PFI schemes are inflated by up categories of serious error: construction make it cheaper than to 24% to take account of the risk Sample bias. Although 500 PFI traditional, publicly financed of cost underestimation and the risk deals had been signed at a value of procurement, because the incentive of works taking longer than £28 billion, the Mott MacDonald structure of PFI whereby private scheduled. This makes the PFI sample was restricted to 11 PFI firms risk losing their own money, projects appear to be better value schemes and 39 non-PFI schemes brings benefits that outweigh "any for money. of which only three PFI and seven cost involved" in using private The UK Treasury cites five research non-PFI were standard building finance.2 Among the alleged studies as the source of the cost and schemes. The sample is small and benefits of private financing are overrun data. However, the reports not representative of procurement savings due to the reduced themselves acknowledge limitations schemes as a whole. There were incidence of cost and time overruns to the data, that both the Treasury too few cases to compare costs and when construction projects come in and the NAO ignore. We have time overruns. over budget or late. recently conducted an evaluation of Selection bias. The selection of UK Government procurement the five reports which highlights cases under each procurement route policy rests on Treasury claims that the following deficiencies in the was not done on a like for like PFI has reduced both the evidence base: basis. Non-PFI schemes were over- frequency and the magnitude of Two of the five reports were based represented by unusual and atypical cost and time overruns. According on surveys and consultations with schemes compared with PFI. For to the Treasury document PFI: project managers and contain no example the PFI sample excluded Meeting the Investment Challenge , primary data on cost and time high profile IT and other failed PFI 2003: "PFI projects are being overrun. [National Audit Office schemes.
Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 4 Autumn 2005 25 Policy time period bias. The time overruns were measured at a the chief justification for the policy, conventionally procured project much later stage in the that it is value for money, is not sample includes projects procurement process than Non-PFI. supported. The data are being commissioned under much earlier This has resulted in Non-PFI costs applied in the guidance and used in and different policy guidance being artificially and wrongly the policy process despite their periods, sometimes several decades inflated compared with PFI. evident shortcomings. The earlier, than for PFI projects. They The Treasury objective of having "a evidence base underpinning therefore do not benefit from sound evidence base" for and a Treasury guidance for the appraisal significant improvements to "rigorous investigation" of PFI has of PFI is unsound. procurement that have been made not been fulfilled. More than 600 1HM Treasury (2004), Quantitative assessment user guide, since. p. 7. PFI projects with a combined 2HM Treasury (2003), PFI: Meeting the Investment Bias in baseline measures for cost capital value of £42.7 billion have Challenge, p.109. 3HM Treasury (2004), PFI: Meeting the Investment and time overruns. PFI costs and been approved or completed but Challenge, p.43. Visit to the London IDEAS Genetics Knowledge Park, UCL Wednesday 22nd June 2005 – Report by Robert Freer
oes our health depend on To be useful in practice a DNA- Future". The network is based at our genes or are our illnesses based test for the risk of any disease UCL and includes Imperial College Da consequence of the way we must meet three criteria: London, and the St George’s choose to live our lives? If it is our ● Be predictive over and above medical schools, and also biotech individual genes that make us established risk factors; companies and representatives from susceptible to illnesses do we need ● Be based on risk estimates that consumer groups. The objective of individual tests and individual cures are accurate and reproducible; the network is to provide the which are special to us? And if we necessary information "to enable all rely on genetic testing to assess our ● Not be associated with negative individuals to make informed future health prospects, for instance psychological impact. choices to reduce the burden of the risk of heart disease, are there Professor Humphries said the disease for which they are at genetic any adverse consequences? One of presentations and demonstrations risk". the practical concerns raised is the would show how the work of the The basic science underpinning the possibility that a negative result may department is directed to meeting clinical advances is being overseen lead to a difficulty in obtaining life these criteria. by Professor Pete Scambler and Dr assurance. The Genetics Knowledge Park Maria Bitner-Glindzicz. Professor Questions which are seemingly network was set up in 2002 as part Scambler is Director of the Genetics straightforward to the layman do of the strategy outlined in the Application Unit, London IDEAS, not always have simple answers, Government's White Paper of June and Head of Molecular Medicine and as a step towards 2003, "Our Inheritance Our Unit, Institute of Child Health and understanding such problems a party from the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee, led by the How does ATHEROSCLEROSIS develop? chairman Dr Doug Naysmith, together with other MPs and members, visited the London IDEAS 100 Genetics Knowledge Park at the MI Institute of Child Health, University College London. The visit was 80 arranged by kind permission of BlocksHeart Clot Clot vesselAttack grows starts Professor Steve Humphries, CEO of 60 London IDEAS Genetics Knowledge Silent build-up Park and the Director for the Centre for Cardiovascular Genetics at UCL. 40 Plaque In welcoming the party Professor rupture Humphries explained the Percent Blockage (stenosis) 20 Chest background to the work London Pain IDEAS is doing on human genetics 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 and testing for disease, and whether Age or not DNA-based genetic tests for heart disease are helpful.
26 Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 4 Autumn 2005 Dr Bitner-Glindzicz is Senior to the disease of interest, and it is College, and Dr Ainsley Newson, Lecturer and Honorary Consultant first necessary to increase the Postdoctoral Associate, Imperial in Clinical Genetics at Great quantity of DNA being analysed by College. Dr Hunter discussed the Ormond Street Hospital. Although means of the "polymerase chain response of a number of insurance not presented during our visit, reaction". This is analagous to a companies to a female applicant other basic research at London photocopying reaction to amplify a with a family history of breast IDEAS is also being performed at St specific area of DNA. The double cancer. Dr Davies described their George’s (University of London). helical DNA is first separated out to work on educating schools and the London is a particularly suitable form two separate strands (called public on genetic knowledge for the place to carry out such research, "denaturing") and the region of future, and Dr Newson considered because patients in London come interest is extended from two the practicalities and ethics of from many ethnic backgrounds, and primers using the strands as personal genomics and the future of this diversity provides a range of templates. This process is repeated clinical genetics genetic variations and specific about 35 times and the exponential The visit concluded with a most health needs. In fact 36% of amplification generates very much enjoyable buffet lunch and the children under 16 in Greater larger amounts of the wanted gene. opportunity for questions and London are from non-white ethnic Subsequent sequencing, which is a discussions. groups. similar process but uses only one We are most grateful to London The visit to the laboratories, led by primer, determines the exact IDEAS and to the Institute of Child Ms Kerra Pearce, illustrated the use nucleotide sequence of the stretch Health for their kind hospitality in of the "Pyrosequencer" machine, of DNA being analysed. allowing us the opportunity to learn which is a very high speed and high Developing the results of this work about the work they are doing and throughput genotyping analysis with scientists and the public was for this most informative visit. This platform which facilitates the the theme of presentations given by research is at the forefront of research work. Genotyping is a Dr Amy Hunter, Genetics medical science and promises to technique which identifies a small Knowledge Park Manager, Dr Gail provide valuable information in the region of the genome that is linked Davies, Honorary Lecturer, Imperial future for the treatment of diseases.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR essential; this way, alternative load paths will exist and progressive collapse will be avoided. Therein lies safety. Sir, Unfortunately, the article discussed above is not the only Science in Parliament is a splendid publication, so that to example of rather sweeping and one-sided assertions in criticise one or two articles seems churlish. Nevertheless, praise of concrete published in Science in Parliament. In the the article in the Summer 2005 issue entitled "Steel’s fire Summer 2004 issue, the sustainable nature of concrete was performance under scrutiny" should not pass without rather exaggerated. For example, it was said that "the comment. Actually, the scrutiny is used to laud concrete thermal mass of exposed concrete enables it to absorb, and to promote its use. Now, I have been involved in store and later radiate heat" and in consequence "the concrete – research, construction, and investigation of daytime temperature can be reduced by as much as 5°C." failures – for half a century so that I am, so to speak, pro- This is the same phenomenon as that exploited in the old- concrete, but objectivity should not be sacrificed on the fashioned night-storage heaters, but any benefits depend altar of commercial promotion. on the time and duration of heating and cooling. Concrete as a material behaves well in fire because it is Anyway, in considering sustainability, we should include incombustible, does not emit toxic gases, and offers the consideration of the energy required to produce reasonable insulation against transmission of heat. Portland cement and the associated noxious emissions: the However, when we talk about concrete as a building production of 1 tonne of Portland cement results in the material we should not forget that structural elements emission of 1 tonne of carbon dioxide, if fossil fuel is used. always contain reinforcing steel so that an important role of And so on. concrete is to protect the reinforcing steel against a rise in I now understand that the two articles to which I have temperature to a level at which the properties of steel referred were published in association with back cover become degraded. advertisements in Science in Parliament. This may be sound This is why in structural design we are concerned with fire commercial practice, but it would help the unwary reader endurance rating, which is the survival time of specific of the journal to be alerted to the promotional nature of structural assemblies or components. It follows that the articles such as those discussed in this letter. I am looking at concrete as the material alone is inadequate. certainly not advocating censorship, but perhaps a discrete Hence, that statement in the article by Anna Scothern that caption or footnote would be helpful. "failure [in the Windsor Torre in Madrid] was limited to Having said all that, I would like to laud the excellence of the perimeter steel frame whereas the internal concrete Science in Parliament, which I find to be a source of frame survived complete burnout with no collapse" is not valuable information on a wide range of scientific and sound in structural engineering terms. For requisite fire technical topics. endurance rating, in addition to the properties of coarse aggregate, the structural engineer needs to consider the Adam Neville FREng, FRSE depth of cover to any embedded steel and, very A&M Neville Engineering importantly, the structural system and design details, Editor’s note: The policy has been to invite those including restraint during heating in a fire. Especially in organisations who sponsor the front and back covers to high-rise buildings, robustness and redundancy are contribute a two-page article for the journal.
Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 4 Autumn 2005 27 Geophysics Education in the UK Professor Aftab Khan, Leicester University, Peter Maguire, President, and Christine Thomas, Education Secretary, British Geophysical Association
eophysics has emerged as an as past and present students. The university education as it is broadly educational subject in its initial findings were presented at the based. The base is very fragile at own right. Observations of Geological Society on April 22nd by present and there is an urgent need G members of a Review Committee the Earth’s physical properties made for more R&D to underpin this area in laboratories and observatories, drawn from the universities, of science. from ships, aircraft and satellites schools, the oil industry, the shallow The public sector includes the worldwide have led to a revolution geophysics community and the British Geological Survey, a huge in our understanding of how the public sector. A full report of the organisation with over 500 earth works, its hazards and their on-going review is expected at the geoscientists and a range of mitigation. Technological and end of the year. thematic programmes requiring computing advances have increased The students (40% female) are of geophysicists for 3D investigations our ability to make refined excellent quality with an average A- on- and off-shore. The Ministry of investigations at depth at a variety level grade of B in both Physics and Defence supports a prestigious of scales ranging from the Mathematics. Most embarked on research centre on the use of exploration for the oil, gas, water, the subject because of scientific seismology to detect and identify and raw materials mankind needs curiosity without a specific career in underground nuclear explosions. for survival, to the location of mind. They all found their courses There are also anxieties about the archaeological remains and highly educative, lively and future supply of graduates in this environmental monitoring as well as informative and thoroughly enjoyed sector. answering fundamental questions their time at University. The oil There is a danger that the university about the physics of the Earth. industry was the most common provision will decline further in Excellent first degree courses have employer followed by those in IT, response to the fall in applications, been developed in a dozen or so private companies, the public the effects of the research universities to provide increasingly sector, the environment, mining, assessment exercise (RAE), a halving employable graduates. However the teaching and research. Their in the unit of resource, and the number of students reading for a responses indicate that the shortage declining skills base of the intake. first degree in geophysics has fallen of applicants is due to the lack of This decline should be arrested and by more than 50% in the last 2 awareness in the schools. They recovery promoted by teaching decades even though the total found out about geophysics when geophysics in schools nationwide, number of students has been rising. searching for something exciting to do. as demonstrated by enthusiastic This decline is only partly explained The oil-related companies who physics teachers in two schools that by falls of 20 % (mathematics) and responded varied in size from those operate seismographs with the aid 40 % (physics) in the number of employing a few geophysics of Royal Society grants. These students doing A levels in the graduates to those with hundreds. enabled them to link up with the subjects normally required for entry, The multinationals recruit world- "Incorporated Research Institutes while Geophysics MSc courses in wide so it is important to continue for Seismology" Schools’ network in Earth Science departments have producing high quality graduates in the US. Their recordings of the been reduced for financial reasons the UK. There is concern in the 2004 Boxing Day Sumatran from five to one. industry about the future supply of earthquake responsible for the This rapid decline stimulated a geophysics graduates from the UK. tsunami received wide press wide-ranging review into Employers in the non-oil sector coverage. There is a need for "Geophysics Education" in the UK include those concerned with the workshops to educate teachers on by the British Geophysical environment, engineering, water, the merits of using earth examples Association (BGA), sponsored by its mining, and archaeological to illustrate basic physics concepts. parent learned Societies, the Royal applications in which multi-skilled Geophysics is an admirable way of Astronomical Society (RAS) and the people are required. The relevant enthusing pupils to continue with Geological Society of London (GSL). skills are usually acquired five years physical science and mathematics to Information is being sought from after completing a first degree in university level for a wide range of universities and employers, as well Geophysics, which is an ideal degree courses.
28 Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 4 Autumn 2005 Promoting UK/Japan Science & Technology Collaborations Philippa Rogers, Science and Innovation Counsellor, British Embassy, Tokyo
apan is the world’s second biggest breakthroughs and opportunities is As well as encouraging UK scientists economy grounded, in part, on not readily available. We therefore and engineers to "think Japan", we Jtechnological advances. Annual have a team of bilingual S&T experts are also very active in promoting the R&D spending totals who analyse and report on policies UK’s strengths in S&T. For example, approximately £90 billion, 3.35% of and developments in Japanese S&T. we have recently completed a year- GDP. And due to recent increased For example, Japan is a world leader long campaign, "Innovation UK", investment in infrastructure, Japan in developing and implementing new involving a huge number of special now has some of the world’s best- technologies for energy efficiency. events including lectures by UK equipped research centres. This We have reported extensively on this, Nobel Prize winners and other presents huge opportunities for including informing the House of "science stars", a mobile exhibition, British scientists and engineers. The Lords Science & Technology special competitions and a series of Science and Innovation team in Japan Committee's recent inquiry on Energy "science in the pub" events. Post- aims to help realise those opportunities. Efficiency. All our reports are available campaign research revealed that Strengthening science and technology through DTI's GlobalWatch website Innovation UK had positively collaboration in key areas through (www.globalwatchservice.com). influenced perceptions of the UK as bilateral linkages is currently a top We also help high-tech UK an innovative country. And this PR priority. We have support for these companies and academics access and work continues. For example, in activities at the highest levels, benchmark Japanese technology conjunction with our trade and through the British and Japanese through organising DTI funded investment colleagues, we are Prime Ministers’ 2003 joint statement missions. A good example is a recent currently organising a seminar on S&T which established the UK mission on Bioprocessing to look at showcasing UK strengths in Japan Programme on Emerging Japanese approaches to reducing the neuroscience and oncology at Technologies. Our flagship project is environmental impact of its chemicals BioJapan 2005, the largest bioscience a unique collaboration on predicting industry using biotechnology. Using networking event in the Japanese climate change. Launched by the our knowledge and contacts of the calendar. Foreign Secretary earlier this year, the sector in Japan, we arranged visits to Over the next few months, special project brings together two of our six leading Japanese companies and priority is being given to driving leading scientific centres on climate spent half a day with the leading forward new projects under our UK modelling with Japan’s Earth Japanese academic, Professor Shimizu Japan Programme on Emerging Simulator, one of the world’s most of Kyoto University. Several Technologies related to the EU and powerful supercomputers. This will companies from the mission are now G8 presidency priorities. Three new enable climate modelling to be taken exploring potential collaborative collaborative initiatives are being to a new level, allowing state of the opportunities in intermediates pursued in infectious diseases, art models to be run at manufacture, and Professor Shimizu flooding and coastal defences and unprecedented resolutions. This will has since visited the UK to discuss aircraft emissions. We have also give decision makers world-wide a academic collaborations. launched a UK/Japan project on the firmer basis on which to assess Over the past 12 months we have health and environmental impacts of climate change and its impacts. We organised 8 such missions covering, nanotechnology, aimed at ensuring were instrumental in bringing these for example, "smart" textiles, global early international engagement on the partners together and providing navigation systems, small scale issues raised by nanotechnology pump-priming funding to get the semiconductor production, and developments. partnership off the ground. We have technologies for elderly people. In conclusion, we believe the UK/ also launched initiatives in Through this work, we have enabled Japan S&T relationship is developing nanotechnology, fuel cells and the over 50 UK companies and well. But the speed of change is very hydrogen economy, structural universities to gain unique access to fast, and the science team in Japan genomics, gene therapy, sustainable the expertise of more than 70 Japanese will continue to work hard at building and "green" chemistry. companies and research institutes. The identifying and reporting on new A key part of our role is to inform the strength of research and technology in opportunities and to use our unique UK community of technology Japan, the warmth of the welcome, and expertise and contacts with the developments in Japan. The the potential and willingness for Japanese S&T community to bring language barrier means that collaboration usually pleasantly the right people together to realise information in English on surprise these mission teams. these opportunities.
Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 4 Autumn 2005 29 The Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention Meeting of Experts Codes of Conduct for Scientists (June 2005)
John Freeman*
rom 13-24 June 2005 the transfer of biological and toxin scientists.” Under the 2002 States Parties to the weapons. It complements the agreement it was determined that FBiological and Toxin 1925 Geneva Protocol, which the Western Group would hold Weapons Convention (BTWC) prohibits the use of chemical and the Chairmanship of the 2005 held a meeting of experts to biological weapons in war. meetings (the Eastern Group consider the issues surrounding Negotiations on the BTWC were having held the 2003 Chair, and codes of conduct for scientists. completed in the early 1970s and the Non-Aligned Movement This was a topic States Parties to it has been 30 years since it holding the Chair in 2004). It the BTWC had previously not entered into force in 1975. Along was later decided that the UK considered in any great detail. It with the United States (US) and would act as Chair in 2005 for therefore presented some the Russian Federation, the UK is these meetings. interesting challenges in how to one of the Depositary consider the topic of codes of Governments of the Convention. The Meetings of Experts and conduct, the extent of activities In addition, as the UK was one of States Parties related to codes of conduct in the leading proponents of The Meeting of Experts and other areas and by different types biological disarmament in the late Meeting of States Parties are of organisations, the relevance of 1960s, the Convention has a designed to complement each such codes to the prohibitions on particularly important place in other. Experts meet for two biological and toxin weapons, and terms of its status and weeks to consider in detail each how to balance the concerns of commitment to it both of the UK issue. This generally involves a different actors such as industry, Government and in the academic wide-ranging discussion among professional associations, non- and non-governmental arms States Parties about the different governmental and other advocacy control community. views on a particular issue, how it organisations, and, not least, the At the Fifth Review Conference of relates to recent developments, views of Government departments the BTWC in 2002 the States the advantages and disadvantages and agencies. Parties to the Convention adopted of various courses of action, the most appropriate locus for any These issues were particularly a programme of work between action, and the sharing of challenging for the UK as Chair 2003 and 2005 intended to information and details on actual for the Meeting of Experts and, examine ways in which States practice. later in the year, for the formal could enhance implementation of meeting of the States Parties (to be the BTWC. The programme of The focus on discrete topics, such held later on 5-9 December). work focused on discrete as national implementation obligations under the Convention. legislation in 2003, has required BTWC Background For 2005 it was decided that each State Party to examine in The BTWC prohibits the States Parties would focus on “the detail their existing practices, the development, production, content, promulgation, and rationale for such activity in a stockpiling, acquisition, and adoption of codes of conduct for given area, and the
*Ambassador John Freeman is the UK Permanent Representative to the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva, and the Chair of the 2005 BTWC Meeting of Experts in June and Meeting of States Party in December.
30 Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 4 Autumn 2005 implementation and effectiveness existing codes, and the most represented. In addition, eight of such measures. For the UK, appropriate initiator of any code Inter-governmental Organisations, which takes its international of conduct, eg professional body, 23 scientific, professional, commitments very seriously, such industry, government, or other academic, and industry meetings have been beneficial in organisation. organisations, and 16 other non- themselves by requiring those It was widely acknowledged that governmental organisations were involved in the implementation of the requisite expertise and also present at the meeting. The the BTWC to consider how and knowledge on this subject would work of the meeting was why the UK does certain things in not necessarily reside in experts organised to ensure adequate time particular ways. Other States, attached only to governments. was spent on each of the three including many of our key States Parties and experts also had areas under consideration European partners, undertook to be aware that codes of conduct (content, promulgation, and similar preparatory work for each were being considered by other adoption) for codes of conduct. Meeting of Experts. To date the bodies and organisations, and in After initial statements from States outcomes from the intersessional different contexts than that related Parties and inter-governmental work programme have been able to the BTWC. For example, in organisations, the work of the to identify good practice, where the UK the Royal Society had meeting was divided into specific issues require further and released its own report and presentations from relevant more specialised consideration, recommendations on the issue of scientific, professional, academic, and where co-operation with Codes of Conduct prior to the and industry organisations which other partners might be required meeting.1 Participation at the either I as Chair or interested in the future. The results Meeting of Experts could not, States Party had encouraged to included a significant degree of therefore, be limited to official attend the meeting. These information sharing, awareness representatives of each State Party. “Guests of the Meeting” brought raising, and identification of good external perspectives to the issues practice among the States Parties. In preparation for the Meeting of States Parties I wrote to each State under discussion and made an The outcome of each Meeting of Party in my role as Chair, extremely valuable input. It Experts is a report for prompting them to attend the included organisations such as the consideration at the later Meeting Meeting prepared for a broad American Society for of States Parties. It is not the aim discussion on this topic. Seven Microbiology, Association of or the expectation of States Parties questions were identified to British Pharmaceutical Industry, that Codes of Conduct for provide a framework for the the Islamic World Academy of Scientists be devised, negotiated, discussions. To provide a single Sciences, and the World Medical or adopted in 2005. example, States Parties were asked Association. To provide one example, the Chief Scientific Codes of Conduct for to consider how to encourage Scientists universities, industry, research Adviser to the UK Government, bodies and government to reflect Sir David King, in a very well At the national level the Foreign BTWC issues in their own in- received address to the Meeting of & Commonwealth Office took the house codes of practice and Experts outlined the Office of lead in preparing for discussions operational frameworks and Science and Technology’s efforts at on codes of conduct for scientists whether or not there might be a developing an overall code on relating to the issue of biological need to consider the introduction scientific conduct. and toxin weapons. Two seminars of guidance or instructions into At the end of the meeting all the hosted by the FCO in December existing structures that deal with proposals, perspectives, and other 2003 and June 2004 with the safety and ethics of individual points made by those representatives of academia, experiments and research. The organisations and individuals, and industry, and non-governmental questions were indicative of the organisations assisted in kinds of issues on which the States which addressed the identifying key themes requiring Meeting of Experts would need to meeting were collated in an consideration including the engage. Annex to the procedural report. purpose, utility and scope of any This data will then be considered codes of conduct, the need for The outcome of the Meeting in the period between the Meeting awareness raising and education of Experts of Experts and the Meeting of among the wider scientific At the June meeting 82 of the 155 States Parties with a view to States community, the role of any States Parties to the BTWC were Parties discussing them further.
1The Royal Society, ‘Issues for discussion at the 2005 Meeting of Experts of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention’ 9 June 2005. Available at: http://www.royalsoc.ac.uk/displaypagedoc.asp?id=12986
Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 4 Autumn 2005 31 Spaceport
Michael F. Bode, Professor of Astrophysics and PPARC Senior Fellow Astrophysics Research Institute, Liverpool John Moores University
s a recent participant with my With assistance from the DfES and Ultimately we had some of the local MP (Andrew Miller) in the Institute of Physics, the NSO required funding in place, but siting Athe Royal Society’s MP- now has around 500 subscribing the centre where we originally Scientist pairing scheme, I saw for member schools across the UK, intended was problematical. In myself the high priority given both primary and secondary, and addition, operating such a centre is throughout Parliament to science since October 2004, over 3,000 LT well beyond the normal range of and technology as a driving force observation requests by pupils have experience of any university. On behind the prosperity and wellbeing been fulfilled. the very day we thought we had of the nation. It is of course also We also wanted to have some more reached the end of the road on the true that the UK is not producing "physical" presence (the NSO being project, the local authority brought sufficient numbers of scientists and largely web-based), ideally in our us together with Mersey Ferries and engineers. Moreover, and perhaps own locality. This grew into an their parent company, Merseytravel. just as importantly, we need to outline plan for a major visitor Just a mile from our Institute is the enhance the general level of public centre in astronomy and space Seacombe Ferry Terminal. Next to understanding in these areas and research situated between the the terminal is the Annexe Building, great efforts continue to be University’s Astrophysics Research which when constructed in the expended nationally to achieve this. Institute and the university early 1930s was of all things the Astronomers, such as myself, have subsidiary company, Telescope largest multi-storey car park outside somewhat of a natural advantage Technologies Ltd (which was London. In recent years it fell into here. The level of public interest, originally formed to build the LT). disrepair, but as an art deco listed particularly among our young people, for all things to do with "space" seems to grow by the day. At Liverpool John Moores University, we have designed, built and now operate the Liverpool Telescope (LT - telescope.livjm.ac.uk) as the World’s largest and most sophisticated robotic telescope. Sited atop the island of La Palma in the Canaries, the LT was funded by the University, the European Regional Development Fund, PPARC and a generous private benefactor (Mr Aldham Robarts) and is a National Facility for astronomy research. It was always our ambition to bring our work in science and technology to the attention of the public. This took two forms. First of all, we knew that a flexibly-scheduled telescope such as the LT could be used to enable schools to execute their own projects in among the work of the professional astronomers. Thus it was that what is now the National Schools’ Observatory (NSO - www. schoolsobservatory.org.uk) was born whose primary aim is to use astronomy to enthuse students about the study of science, technology and mathematics in A school party at the opening of Spaceport on Merseyside in July. In the background is a general. Starchaser rocket.
32 Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 4 Autumn 2005 "wormhole" – based on a theoretical concept allowing one to journey vast distances by effectively short- circuiting space. Here visitors learn that space is not really empty – they see, for example, the otherwise invisible tracks in a cloud chamber caused by charged sub-atomic particles that make up "cosmic rays" and view evidence of the magnetic field that threads its way throughout our Galaxy. They also hear and see the story of stars, from birth to (sometimes violent) death and explore the heavens represented on the ceiling via a virtual telescope, before entering a 360º theatre show. The next transition is onto the second floor and into the wider Universe. Questions asked and Visitors to Spaceport enter the "Solar System Zone" answered here include "how did it start and how will it end?"; "how building, it could not be Our aim was to be educational at large/old is the Universe?" Along the demolished. However Merseytravel several levels, but also fun. It was way, visitors can learn more from wished to develop its business at one of the most challenging aspects the NSO area and understand how of all to explain our science this site and were simultaneously telescopes as probes of the Universe succinctly in layman’s terms whilst putting together a feasibility study work. Finally in this zone, perhaps to place a visitor attraction in the retaining scientific accuracy and the biggest question of all is asked: Annexe. also making it entertaining and "Are we alone?" So it was that at the end of 1999 we "hands-on". Somewhere along the formed a partnership between the road we had to choose a name and The penultimate transition is to a University and Merseytravel/Mersey the partnership came up with zone that as scientists we found the Ferries with the aim of jointly "Spaceport" (www.spaceport.org.uk) most challenging of all – the science bringing our aspirations to fruition. – aptly tying together astronomy behind science fiction. We debated On paper it was perhaps an odd and seafaring, as had of course been this long and hard, weighing up the partnership (astronomers and a the case via navigation for many public interest in UFOs, Dr Who regional transport body) but the centuries before – and the centre and the like against the absolute teams’ expertise complemented each opened its doors to the public on requirement not to mislead. In the other superbly. It took no time for July 26th 2005. end we let the designers’ both parties to be convinced that a A visitor to Spaceport first "leaves imaginations loose, but the final visitor centre in space and the Earth" by entering a "spacepod" message is effectively to retain a astronomy at this location was likely from which they emerge into our healthy scepticism and, to coin a to be a success and be beneficial to Solar System of the Sun, planets, phrase, "Don’t Panic!". both. moons, comets and asteroids. The Emerging into daylight, visitors Funding was gradually secured from more intrepid can experience a encounter the "Starchaser" zone, a variety of sources including ERDF, simulator which gives them a "white which is now the public home of the Wirral Waterfront (SRB6) knuckle ride" through various the UK’s bid to launch a commercial initiative, the local authority and imaginary landscapes. Along the manned spacecraft, with rockets way there are many inter-actives Merseytravel itself. The total and their associated hardware all including demonstrations of amounted to around £10m. We around. To the visitor’s right, one of had to use the building in a way weightlessness, crater formation and the relation of the tides on the the most stunning views across the that made it fit for purpose, Mersey to the Liverpool waterfront enhanced it, but did not violate its Mersey outside to the Earth-Moon- Sun system. suddenly reminds them that they aesthetic appeal. Essentially, it is are still in fact in Seacombe. long and thin and on two storeys, We have had the technology for with roughly the same exhibition many years to travel around our Although it is early days of course, area as the National Space Centre in Solar System. However, travelling visitor numbers are exceeding Leicester. Our concept was to take the vaster distances to the stars is expectations. Since opening, on visitors on a journey out into the currently beyond us. The transit in most days the centre has reached Universe, utilising the form of the Spaceport between the Solar System full capacity several hours before building to greatest advantage and, and out into the vast spiral of dust, closing time. Indeed, one of the above all, ensure that any visitor gas and around 200 billion stars challenges now is that (ironically) rapidly forgot that they were in that make up our Galaxy, the Milky we could actually do with more Wallasey, or even on the Earth. Way, is accomplished via a parking space!
Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 4 Autumn 2005 33 Sustainable Development: The Engineering Contribution Guidance Documents for Young Engineers Robert Freer
ustainable development has using sound science responsibly and live off the interest rather than become a cornerstone of living within our environmental consume the capital. These factors Spolitical and social policy and limits. This publication is set in the should be combined in order to the decisions to be made have context of the government's report achieve economic success, social implications for engineers on its strategy for sustainable benefit and high environmental responsible for the construction and development entitled Securing the standards. They have selected maintenance of the national Future (2005) that sets out the seven examples to demonstrate how infrastructure. The Royal Academy principles to be used to achieve this these objectives have been or are of Engineering (RAEng) that "brings objective. being achieved and to encourage together the most eminent engineers The concept of sustainable others to introduce the concept of from all disciplines to promote development originated in the 1987 sustainable development into their excellence in the science, art and Brundtland report of the UN World own projects. practice of engineering" has Commission on Environment and The Jubilee River is a new flood responded to this challenge to make Development that has become a diversion channel on the River engineers, and especially young political slogan with a number of Thames which carries flood water to engineers, more aware of different meanings. The essential by-pass the towns of Maidenhead, sustainable development, and the point made by Dodds and Venables Windsor and Eton. contributions they can make, by is the need to ensure that we are all Laundry cleaning products are an appointing 26 Visiting Professors in able to continue to live on this example of articles of mass Engineering Design for Sustainable planet indefinitely. Engineers have production and consumption where Development at UK universities and made the world habitable and they the environmental impact of each by the publication of teaching are responsible for developing the materials for undergraduates. earth's natural resources to provide stage of the process has to be considered. Previous publications by the Royal us with the infrastructure services Academy of Engineering for the use we have come to rely on. There are The experiment of embedding of engineering designers have no more unexplored lands and sustainable development into an included: The Universe of Engineering undiscovered continents that we organisation has been introduced at - A UK Perspective (2000), The Social can expand into, we must make the Glasgow University. Aspects of Risk (2003), and Educating best use of what we have. Mobile phones are an iconic Engineers in Design (2005). The Although the report does not electronic symbol of the 21st RAEng’s most recent publication is discuss population growth, it is century and the manufacturers are entitled Engineering for Sustainable relevant to note that our numbers encouraged to examine the impact Development: Guiding Principles, are increasing almost exponentially. of their whole life cycle. edited by two of the Visiting In the last 75 years the world Regeneration of buildings: the Professors, Richard Dodds and population has increased from just Borough Council of Newtonabbey Roger Venables1. It was launched over 2 billion to just over 6 billion in Northern Ireland decided to before a large audience on 6th and planners are now considering renovate a disused mill for use as September 2005 at a seminar the supply of the basic needs of their new civic headquarters rather entitled "What do Engineers really shelter, water, fuel and food to 10 than construct a new building. need to learn about Sustainable billion people in the foreseeable Development?" These Visiting future. The earth's natural Catalytic converters: the use of Professors present case studies resources are not increasing, they catalytic converters is an example of compiled from their own practical are part of our capital, and we need balancing their practical benefits experience, that are based on to ensure that we look after this against the environmental impact of general principles underlying the inheritance carefully. their manufacture. practical application of the theme of Dodds and Venables refer to the five The energy challenge: the problem sustainability. A strong, healthy and forms of capital: Human, is to meet the ever-increasing global just society can be realised by Environmental, Social, Financial demand for energy from sources achieving a sustainable economy, by and Manufactured and they generating minimal atmospheric promoting good governance and by consider that we should strive to pollution.
1Engineering for Sustainable Development: Guiding Principles. Edited by Professor Richard Dodds and Professor Roger Venables. The Royal Academy of Engineering, 2005 ISBN 1-903496-21-7
34 Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 4 Autumn 2005 House of Lords Science and Technology Select Committee
The members of the Committee (appointed 6 June 2005) are Lord Broers (Chairman), Baroness Finlay of Llandaff, Lord Howie of Troon, Lord Mitchell, Lord Patel, Lord Paul, Baroness Perry of Southwark, Baroness Platt of Writtle, the Earl of Selborne, Baroness Sharp of Guildford, Lord Sutherland of Houndwood, Lord Taverne, Lord Winston and Lord Young of Graffham.
The Reports and Calls for Evidence for the inquiries The Committee were also surprised that industry seems mentioned below can be found at the Committee’s web site largely to ignore the needs of older people, despite the www.parliament.uk/hlscience. economic strength of this age group. Products are seldom designed with older people in mind, and advertising Energy Efficiency - report published ignores them. Assistive technology too is proceeding at a The report on the Energy Efficiency inquiry, chaired by disappointing rate. Baroness Perry of Southwark, was published in July. The report urged the Government to resolve the uncertainty Water Management - new inquiry and confusion that are undermining its attempts to Sub-Committee I, chaired by the Earl of Selborne, is now promote energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas considering Water Management. The inquiry will emissions. investigate the future management of water supply and demand in the United Kingdom in the context of Baroness Perry said "The Government has to get a grip on demographic and economic development, and climate our huge waste of energy if it is to limit the UK’s change. contribution to climate change. At the moment it simply doesn’t have a coherent policy on energy efficiency. There Written evidence is invited on all issues affecting the future are far too many departments, agencies and policies, often balance of supply and demand. The Committee is keen to pulling in different directions." hear views on what the causes are of the current problems of water supply, what the projections are for future supply, The report called for better governance, including the and where and when serious problems are likely to emerge. appointment of a single minister responsible for both They would like to know whether sufficient research is energy supply and energy efficiency, and improved energy being devoted to predicting and handling possible future use standards for buildings and products. Changing scenarios, and whether the responses of Government, the consumer behaviour was also recognised as a vital EU, regulators and the industry are adequate. ingredient if targets are to be met. The Committee would like to know what are thought to be Ageing: Scientific Aspects - report the options for increasing water supply, what are the likely published future trends in water demand, and what can be done to The report on the scientific aspects of ageing was also manage demand more effectively, and to influence the published in July, following the inquiry chaired by Lord behaviour of consumers and others. They are interested in the contribution that science, engineering and technology Sutherland of Houndwood. Early in its deliberations, the can make towards reducing water use or waste by members of the Committee were struck by the divergence households, businesses and the public sector. between life expectancy (LE) and healthy life expectancy (HLE). It appears that LE is increasing at a faster rate than Pandemic Influenza - new inquiry HLE; in other words, the unhealthy years towards the end The Select Committee is following-up its “Fighting of life are tending to increase. The demographic evidence Infection” report published in 2003 (HL Paper 138) with a for this is set out at the start of the report. The report goes short inquiry investigating the UK’s preparations for a on to consider the science of the ageing process and potential outbreak of pandemic influenza. diseases prevalent in old age, the factors which cause ill The Department of Health has stated that "warning signs health in later life, and what can be done to counter them. are increasing that a new influenza virus with pandemic The Committee found the proportion of research council potential is possible and will affect around a quarter of the funds spent on ageing-related research to be disappointing, UK population, possibly resulting in more than 50,000 but it was the lack of co-ordination of this research which deaths". The death toll could be much higher according to shocked the Committee. The report recommends that DTI some experts. and OST set up a new body to provide strategic oversight The inquiry will concentrate on contingency planning in and direction for this research. The Committee also makes the UK, but will also look at what the risk of a pandemic recommendations for improving the health of older people, is, and how it can be reduced. The Committee will hear by applying resources more effectively, in particular, by evidence in October and November, aiming to publish focusing on the prevention of disease rather than its cure. before the end of the year.
Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 4 Autumn 2005 35 Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology
POST Board – 2005 Parliament Physical Sciences, IT and Communications - Criminal justice system ICT, Mobile phones, Space weapons/space The establishment of POST’s Board after a general election security, and ICT in developing countries. is a protracted process. Two House of Commons select Science Policy, etc - The 24-hour society, Public committees (the newly-created Administration Committee and the Science and Technology Committee) make engagement in science. nominations to the Board. Until these committees are Seminars themselves created, they cannot make the nominations. Just before the summer recess, the Administration In July POST held a joint seminar with the Wellcome Trust Committee nominated Neil Gerrard MP, (returning) and on Bugs, Drugs and Hospitals. The meeting brought Mark Harper (new MP for Forest of Dean), while the together parliamentarians, researchers, healthcare Science and Technology Committee nominated Dr Des professionals and others to discuss the issues relevant to Tur ner (returning). The four Lords members of the Board healthcare associated infections in clinical practice. had been nominated earlier. They are: Lord Broers, Baroness Greenfield, Lord Oxburgh, and Professor the Lord On 9th November it will hold a seminar on the 24-hour Winston. The non-parliamentary members of the Board society. remain Professor Fran Balkwill, Professor Sir Tom Blundell, Sir David Davies and Professor Jim Norton. POST is Fellows and interns at POST expecting the remainder of the Commons Board members Current and recent fellows/interns are: British Ecological to be nominated by the end of the summer recess. Society Fellow Nick Worsfold (Sheffield University/Farmland conservation), Economic and Social Recent POST publication Research Council Fellow Cindy Warwick (Oxford Infection control in healthcare settings University/Water resource management), and Royal Society July 2005 POSTnote 247 of Chemistry Fellows Ruth Croxton (Lincoln Healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) are infections University/DNA database) and Greg Offer (Imperial transmitted to patients (and healthcare workers) as a result College/Future transport technologies). Since June 2005, of healthcare procedures, in hospital and other healthcare POST has also welcomed interns Nicholas Cockroft settings. Recent years have seen an increase in the (UCL/Conservation science), Marina Roehrs (St Andrews awareness of HCAIs, in particular those caused by University/Compiling database on overseas parliaments and antibiotic-resistant “superbugs”. This POSTnote describes science and technology), Lydia Cross (Manchester the nature, spread and treatment of HCAIs. It focuses on University/International finance facility), and Susanne challenges for public policy in their detection, prevention Kadner (University of East Anglia/Aarhus Convention). and management. International activities Current work On 16th July 2005 Dr Chandrika Nath gave a presentation POSTnotes in preparation on: on "ICT and privacy in Europe" on behalf of the European Biological Sciences and Health - Avian flu, National DNA Parliamentary Technology Assessment Network at the 3rd database, Science in Court. international conference on politics and information Environment and Energy - Sustainable fisheries, Ecosystem systems (PISTA) in Orlando, Florida. In September the services, Household energy efficiency, Cleaner coal, Director participated in the second international Science Farmland conservation and Water resource management. and Technology in Society symposium in Kyoto.
Additional information can be obtained from POST, House of Commons, 7 Millbank, London SW1P 3JA (020 7219 2840). Also available on the internet at http://www.parliament.uk/post/home/htm Members of either House can obtain free copies of all published material. Others may purchase copies from the Parliamentary Bookshop (020 7219 3890). There is also a subscription service: details from POST.
36 Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 4 Autumn 2005 House of Commons Select Committee on Science and Technology
Under the Standing Orders, the Committee’s terms of reference are to examine "the expenditure, policy and administration of the Office of Science and Technology and its associated public bodies". The new Committee was nominated on 19 July 2005. The Chairman is Mr Phil Willis (Lib Dem, Harrogate and Knaresborough). Other Members of the Committee are Adam Afriyie (Con, Windsor), Mr Robert Flello (Lab, Stoke-on-Trent South), Dr Ian Gibson (Lab, Norwich North), Dr Evan Harris (Lib Dem, Oxford West and Abingdon), Dr Brian Iddon (Lab, Bolton South East), Margaret Moran (Lab, Luton South), Mr Brooks Newmark (Con, Braintree), Anne Snelgrove (Lab/Co-op, South Swindon), Bob Spink (Con, Castle Point) and Dr Desmond Turner (Lab, Brighton Kemptown).
Current Inquiry Second Special Report Carbon Capture and Storage Technology The Committee published its Second Special Report of Following its first meeting on 20 July 2005, the Session 2005–06, Strategic Science Provision in English Committee announced its first inquiry, into carbon capture Universities: Government Response to the Committee’s Eighth and storage technology (CCS). It is inviting written Report of Session 2004–05 (HC 428) on 25 July 2005. evidence on the following points: Human Reproductive Technologies and the Law: 1 The viability of CCS as a carbon abatement technology Government Response to the Report from the House of for the UK, in terms of: Commons Science and Technology Committee ● The current state of R&D in, and deployment of, CCS During the summer recess, the Government published its technologies; Response to the Committee's Fifth Report of Session 2004- ● Projected timescales for producing market-ready, 05, Human Reproductive Technologies and the Law (HC scalable technologies; 491). Human Reproductive Technologies and the Law: ● Cost; Government Response to the Report from the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee (Cm 6641) was ● Geophysical feasibility; published in August 2005. ● Other obstacles or constraints. 2. The UK Government’s role in funding CCS R&D and providing incentives for technology transfer and Further Information industrial R&D in CCS technology. Further information about the work of the Committee or The Committee will start taking oral evidence on this its current inquires can be obtained from the Clerk of the inquiry in the Autumn, when it will also announce the Committee, Chris Shaw or from the Committee Assistant, remainder of its programme. Ana Ferreira on 020 7219 2792/2794; or by writing to: Government Responses The Clerk of the Committee, Science and Technology Committee, House of Commons, 7 Millbank, London The Work of Research Councils UK: Government SW1P 3JA. Inquiries can also be emailed to Response to a Report by the House of Commons Science and Technology Select Committee [email protected]. Anyone wishing to be Before the new Committee was appointed, the included on the Committee’s mailing list should contact the Government published its Response to the Committee’s staff of the Committee. Sixth Report of Session 2004–05, The Work of Research Anyone wishing to submit evidence to the Committee is Councils UK (HC 219). The Work of Research Councils UK: strongly recommended to obtain a copy of the guidance Government Response to a Report by the House of Commons note first. Guidance on the submission of evidence can be Science and Technology Select Committee (Cm 6598) was found at published in June 2005. http://www.parliament.uk/commons/selcom/witguide.htm. First Special Report The Committee published its First Special Report of The Committee has a new website address Session 2005-06, Forensic Science on Trial: Government (www.parliament.uk/s&tcom). All recent publications Response to the Committee’s Seventh Report of Session (from May 1997 onwards), terms of reference for all 2004–05 (HC 427) on 25 July 2005. inquiries and press notices are available at this address.
Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 4 Autumn 2005 37 Debates and Selected Parliamentary Questions & Answers
Following is a selection of Debates from the House of Commons. A full digest of all Debates, Questions and Answers on topics of scientific interest from 6th June to 21st July 2005 from both Houses of Parliament appears on pages 41 to 46.
Animal Testing does matter if the lights go out. Biomass may be burned or used to make liquid fuels opening the door to co- Question and Written Answer on Monday 6 June production of food and fuel. If human life is to Mr Laurence Robertson (Tewkesbury): To ask the continue on this planet, secure and sustainable energy Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assistance sources must be found. Fossil fuels are limited as a his Department is giving to research bodies to encourage stopgap measure, however the contribution from many them to use scientific research techniques which do not renewables is limited because technology is presently involve animals for risk assessments on chemicals; and if too primitive to exploit them fully. he will make a statement. Lord Whitty regretted that regulatory authorities and Mr. Morley: I have been asked to reply. the Treasury are reluctant to intervene in a way that is Risk assessments on chemicals are carried out according designed to change personal behaviour and attitudes to EU and UK regulatory requirements to provide the towards climate change. Without this change the necessary data for the protection of human health and improvements needed in energy efficiency will not be the environment. There is currently a legal requirement achieved. to use animals for some testing where there is no other The Earl of Selborne described the difficulties he had method for producing the data. The Government is keen had in trying to implement a small biomass scheme at to keep animal testing to a minimum and supports the farm level. This was not feasible due to the punitive development of alternative methods which, once pricing scheme for those who have to sell at the prices properly validated, may be accepted as part of the required under the scheme. He called for policies that regulatory system. My Department is supporting the combine nature conservation with renewable energy development of alternative methods and strategies that programmes. He described successful woodchip will lead to the reduced use of animals in chemical operations at the farm scale in Denmark and Holland. A assessment programmes and is hosting a workshop on renewable energy think small approach is needed to this topic in June. which anyone can make a modest contribution by The Government through the Medical Research Council installing solar panels, for example, inconvenient though (MRC) and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences it will be to the large electricity generators. Research Council (BBSRC) funds the National Centre for Baroness Sharp of Guildford noted that the the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals Government have increased the annual R&D spend on in Research (NC3Rs). The Centre provides a UK focus renewable and low-carbon technologies from £40 for the development, promotion and implementation of million to £70 million. If this issue is of the highest the 3 Rs in biological and biomedical research in priority, is this really enough? academia and industry. Lord Haworth is in favour of renewables but not the Renewable Energy (S&T Report) role in terms of energy mix they are designed to play. Debate in the House of Lords on Thursday 23 June He ageed entirely with Lord Whitty that renewables and Lord Oxburgh rose to move, That this House takes note nuclear together should replace the burning of fossil of the report of the Science and Technology Committee fuels. He had been under the misapprehension that on Renewable Energy: Practicalities (4th Report, Session development of renewables would mean their 2003-04, HL Paper 126). There is now wide acceptance substitution for fossil fuels. However it emerges that of the reality of anthropogenic climate change and the any increase in electricity generated by renewables will need to take action urgently. The Nobel Prize-winning be used to replace nuclear power. This will make no chemist Arrhenius predicted in 1903 that the burning of difference at all to the sources of climate change. fossil fuels would increase the carbon dioxide content of Meeting the Government’s environmental targets will be the atmosphere and cause the Earth to warm. It is the made much harder over the next two decades by the rate of change which matters most, especially in Africa retirement of 20 per cent of our present generating where rapid climate change will impact on the poorest capacity that is carbon free – namely nuclear. who will be at greatest risk. The report addressed one Lord Jenkin of Roding noted that wind power can element of the Government’s energy policy as outlined sometimes fall by thousands of megawatts in the course in the 2003 White Paper; namely, the intention that by of just two hours. This requires immediate mobilisation 2010, 10 per cent and by 2020, 20 per cent of our of fossil fuel generators to meet demand. Problems electricity should be generated from renewable sources – arising from such imbalances appear unresolved. that is from wind, waves, sun and the other intrinsic Funding for transmission from remote renewable Earth processes, or from plant life or organic wastes. generators has not been agreed yet. If there is no Modifications were proposed to the Renewables transmission there will be no offshore generators. Obligations Certificates scheme to extend their Lord Methuen noted that CHP take-up in the UK is application until 2020. Regarding security of supply, pathetic compared with European counterparts. Closure the Government’s blind faith in the security of markets of all nuclear generation by 2023 except Sizewell B will for an essential infrastructure service is surprising. It leave us almost totally dependent on oil and gas imports
38 Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 3 Summer 2005 from Russia, the Ukraine and other states less politically projections for the contribution of energy crops is over- stable than the UK. For the UK to abandon nuclear optimistic. Equal importance was given to the security electricity generation in that scenario is madness as of electricity supply and that of baked beans. Lord nuclear is the obvious candidate for baseload generation. Haworth’s and Lord Methuen’s criticisms were New designs such as the BNFL Westinghouse AP1000 welcomed, and it was accepted that this makes the UK reactor are now ready for exploitation, but there is a vulnerable, and a matter for debate. Current serious risk of the intellectual property rights for that Government policies were generally reiterated. Sir Ben design being lost to the UK and sold to the US, thus Gill has been appointed to take on all the bureaucratic losing the benefits of our accumulated design expertise. rules that surround biomass schemes. It was expected A balanced energy policy with a diversity of reliable that generators would react to energy shortages in future energy sources is essential for the future of our country. by increasing coal and gas usage, thus increasing Lord Cameron of Dillington described a world-leading emissions. small-scale pyrolysis plant and gasification plant that is capable of extracting renewable energy from all non- Clean Coal Technology inert wastes except nuclear, developed by Compact Power. Question and Written Answer on Monday 27 June Baroness Platt of Writtle recommended the Sandra Osborne (Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock): To ask appointment of one minister responsible for security of the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps supply. Government policy has split responsibility on he is taking to support the development of clean coal this vital issue. The rise in the potential use of nuclear technology in the UK. power was welcomed. Coalmine methane should be Malcolm Wicks: The UK's Carbon Abatement used rather than let it leak to the upper atmosphere. Technologies strategy was launched on 14 June. This The Government was urged to act on the many fronts sets out the work programme needed to support the she described. development of sustainable fossil fuel technologies Lord Chorley described in vivid detail the mainly using coal and natural gas. It recognises that disfigurement of the landscape by new generation fossil fuels will continue to be a major source of energy turbines which simply dwarf the landscapes they for decades to come and that technologies need to be inhabit. developed and deployed which will radically reduce CO2 Lord Winston noted that 50% of the audience at the emissions from the use of these fuels. Improved combustion Cheltenham science festival, and at other science efficiency and Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) are festivals, supported nuclear power. seen as the key technologies for achieving this aim. Lord Dixon-Smith noted that carbon dioxide emissions The Government have announced funding of some £25 increased throughout Europe in 2003 and the largest million towards demonstration of carbon abatement contributor to that was the United Kingdom. He technologies as part of a £40 million package of support described the South East London Combined Heat and for clean energy technologies. Also, in his Budget Power plant designed to incinerate waste, provide statement this year the Chancellor undertook to assess electricity and heat the houses nearby. However, for support for the development of CCS in the Climate lack of a regulatory system not a single house has been Change Programme Review (CCPR), including the heated. That is a scandal. He raised doubts about the potential for economic incentives. benefit of generating electricity in the outer isles to In addition to this we will continue to fund research and supply London. development in this area under the DTI's Technology Lord Tombs attributed the Government’s interest in Programme. Under the Cleaner Coal Technology R and wind power to the fact that it can be promoted through D Programme from 1999 up to 2008, the Government electricity regulation thus providing a source of funds will have committed some £13.5 million in supporting not subject to Treasury scrutiny. The subsidy for wind UK industry to develop cleaner coal technologies. In power until 2020 will be some £30 billion due to the addition to this we are also committing some £3.5 freedom of multiple departmental committees to reach million for UK industry and academia to collaborate consensus conclusions in a policy vacuum with no with the USA to develop these technologies. effective ministerial leadership. This is enough money to provide 40 Millenium Domes or 1200 brand new city Sustainable Development academies and will render the UK less competitive with Debate in Westminster Hall on Thursday 7 July countries overseas. An approach that would address the problems of climate change and international The Minister for Climate Change and the competitiveness would be the acceptance of a renewed Environment (Mr Elliot Morley) introduced the debate nuclear programme. The actions of the Government which was overshadowed by the dreadful events in over the past eight years have been of neglect, delay and central London earlier that day. The public sector downright hostility, all of which must be brought to an spends more than £125 billion per year which end. What we have is a highly directed market designed represents an enormous opportunity for furthering to promote an irrational policy. This cannot go on. sustainable development, innovation, new companies and new ways of looking at whole-life assessments. Lord Moynihan presented arguments in favour of During the UK presidency of the EU one of the offshore wind power generation. priorities will be to lead work on promoting sustainable Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer noted that procurement throughout Europe. In October the UK Malcolm Wicks, Minister with responsibility for energy will host a workshop with representatives from all is launching a consultation on micro generation member states to discuss how to improve environmental performance in public procurement across the EU. Baroness Miller of Hendon discussed security of supply. Various cross-departmental initiatives that are designed The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, to make England cleaner, safer, greener and healthier Department of Trade and Industry (Lord Sainsbury were then described. of Turville) The report rightly challenged the Mark Lazarowicz (Edinburgh, North and Leith) Government on many key issues. The Government’s emphasised that this is a UK-wide strategy and
Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 3 Summer 2005 39 introduced Environment Direct that is linked Mr David Chaytor (Bury, North) was born and lived in nationwide to a range of Government strategies designed one of those places and many of his constituents still do to encourage people to choose a more sustainable way and want to get rid of them and move into modern, forward. more energy-efficient, sustainable homes. Mr Morley referred to the recently launched eco- Mr John Hayes returned to the subject of sustainability standard directive from the EU that focuses on energy and discussed several potential aspects of the consumption, especially the stand-by mode which is classification and re-use of land with potential for very wasteful of energy on some TVs. sustainable housing development. Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (Cotswold) Oilseed rape Norman Baker (Lewes) discussed the general and cereals are being exported to other EU countries to misunderstanding of the meaning of the term be made into biofuel, which is then re-imported. That sustainability and its application to common problems. is crazy, arising from a lack of long-term commitment For example, the south-east has a major problem with through the UK tax regime. There are active plans for a water resources. A desalination plant is to be built off biofuel plant in the south-west if they could have that the coast of Newhaven, yet water metering has not yet commitment. been undertaken so someone can leave their tap on all Mr Morley said that Sir Ben Gill has been tasked with day and pay the same as someone who has the tap off producing a report on how a biofuel industry can be all day. The Government needs to grasp the need for developed in this country. Funding has been provided metering. Universal metering is needed, starting in the to develop the biofuel supply chain. south-east. It should not be left to water companies to Mr John Hayes (South Holland and The Deepings) do. A long discussion ensued on the extent to which remarked that sustainability has become a watchword Government did or did not wish to change the that every political speech needs to mention to gain definition and interpretation of sustainability in order to validity. Defining it is altogether more difficult because be able to focus in future more on the economic pillar it is used rather loosely. The Government’s planned rather than the environmental and social pillars that demolition of 400,000 homes is a negative example of together support the concept. the application of this principle, as many of these could Mr Morley concluded with a general discussion on be renovated in a more environmentally sustainable brownfield sites and the benefits and public attitudes manner and as they are also essential to the character of towards demolishing or refurbishing housing stock that the area. is in poor condition and several other related issues. Progress of Legislation before Parliament.
Government Bills Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Bill – Charities Bill (HL) – 2nd Reading 7.6.05; Committee introduced under the ballot by Mr Mark Lazarowicz MP 28.6.05 & 12.7.05; Report 12.10.05 – provisional date for 2nd Reading 11.11.05 Commons Bill (HL) – 2nd Reading 20.7.05; provisional Fishery Limits (United Kingdom) Bill (HL) – date for Committee 25.10.05 introduced by Lady Saltoun of Abernethy – 2nd Reading Identity Cards Bill – 2nd Reading 28.6.05 – 16.6.05 – Committee 5.7.05 Committee stage 5, 6, 7, 12, 14, 19 & 21.7.05 Food Supplements (European Communities Act Merchant Shipping (Pollution) Bill (HL) – 2nd 1972 Disapplication) Bill – introduced by Mr William Reading 14.6.05; Committee stage 11.7.05; provisional Cash MP – provisional date for 2nd Reading 14.10.05 date for Report 17.10.05 Management of Energy in Buildings Bill – introduced Natural Environment and Communities Bill – 2nd under the ballot by Dr Alan Whitehead MP – Reading 6.6.05; Committee 21, 23, 28 & 30.6 & provisional date for 2nd Reading 11.11.05 5.7.05; Report 11.10.05 Private Members’ Bills Pharmaceutical Labelling (Warning of Cognitive Function Impairment) Bill – introduced by Mr Andrew Breast Cancer Bill – introduced under the ballot by Mr Shailesh Vara MP – provisional date for 2nd Reading Dismore MP – provisional date for 2nd Reading 12.5.06 20.1.06 Regulation of Laser Eye Surgery Bill – introduced Children’s Food Bill – introduced under the ballot by Mary under the ballot by Mr Frank Cook MP – provisional Creagh MP – provisional date for 2nd Reading 28.10.05 date for 2nd Reading 21.10.05 Parliamentary & Scientific Committee News
Sir Hermann Bondi FRS retirement from that office he was elected a Life Member Sir Hermann Bondi, who died in September, had been and regularly attended meetings and the annual lunch. an enthusiastic member of the Committee for many New Members years. He was a guest speaker at two of the Committee’s meetings: in November 1970 he spoke on the work and We are pleased to welcome the following new members: future plans of the European Space Research Mr Stephen Hammond MP Organisation; and in October 1982, as Chairman of the Natural Environment Research Council, he was one of Dr Keith Winters, Individual member, formerly a three speakers on Environmental Pollution. He representative of AEA Technology represented the NERC on the Committee from 1983-1987 SET for BRITAIN, Scientific and Technical Organisation, and served as a Vice-President from 1984-1987. On his represented by Dr Eric Wharton
40 Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 4 Autumn 2005 UK Parliament - Digest of Parliamentary Debates, Questions and Answers 6th June – 21st July 2005
The references are to Hansard, giving first the date of publication, either HoC (House of Commons) or HoL (House of Lords), and finally the column number in Hansard. *Denotes selected Debates and Questions and Answers of particular interest which are reproduced on pages 38 to 40 Agriculture Biodiversity and Conservation Cereal Disease – 13.7.05 HoC 1036W Beavers – 16.6.05 HoC 550W Fruit Growing – 6.7.05 HoC 425W Canada Geese – 14.6.05 HoC 241W National Fruit Collection – 6.6.05 HoC 259W Cetaceans – 21.7.05 HoC 1952W Potato Ring Rot – 21.7.05 HoC 1966W Cormorants – 15.6.05 HoC 420W & 14.7.05 HoC 1154W Dormice – 5.7.05 HoC 247W Endangered Species – 16.6.05 HoC 551W & 6.7.05 HoC Animal Experiments 415W * Animal Testing – 6.6.05 HoC 303W, 16.6.05 HoC 549W Regulations – 27.6.05 HoC 1185W & 12.7.05 HoC 950W Gardens (Biodiversity) – 19.7.05 HoC 1520W Botulinum Toxin – 9.6.05 HoC 639W Hedgehogs/Badgers – 11.7.05 HoC 649W LD50 – 4.7.05 HoC 133W Northern Ireland: Irish Hares – 8.6.05 HoL WA91 Primates – 21.6.05 HoC 889W Peat – 21.7.05 HoC 1965W Rats – 30.6.05 HoC 1644W Animal Health and Welfare SSSIs – 16.6.05 HoC 561W Whaling – 7.6.05 HoC 443W, 14.6.05 HoC 244W, 5.7.05 Animal Feed: Waste Food – 21.7.05 HoL WA262 HoC 252W, 6.7.05 HoC 430W & 13.7.05 HoC 1041W Animal Slaughter – 13.6.05 HoC 31W White-tailed Sea Eagle – 30.6.05 HoC 1646W Animal Welfare – 13.6.05 HoC 31W & 20.6.05 HoC Woodland – 29.6.05 HoC 57WS 668W Avian Flu – 14.6.05 HoC 241W & 7.7.05 HoL WA114 Biological and Chemical Weapons Bees – 6.6.05 HoC 250W, 21.6.05 HoC 886W, 4.7.05 HoC Bio-contamination – 20.6.05 HoC 734W 2W & 6.7.05 HoC 413W Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention – 5.7.05 HoC Birds (Imports) – 21.7.05 HoC 1947W 322W & 14.7.05 HoC 1176W Cattle Diseases – 13.6.05 HoC 34W Egg Imports – 21.7.05 HoC 1954W Biotechnology Foot and Mouth – 15.6.05 HoC 421W, 28.6.05 HoC Bt 10 Maize – 28.6.05 HoC 1499W 1403W, 5.7.05 HoC 250W & 21.7.05 HoC 141WS Genetically Modified Maize – 6.6.05 HoC 257W & Illegal Meat – 20.6.05 HoC 669W 14.6.05 HoC 242W Imports – 9.6.05 HoC 1380 GM Animal Feed – 21.7.05 HoC 1960W Marine Noise Pollution – 11.7.05 HoC 650W GM Crops – 16.6.05 HoC 553W, 6.7.05 HoC 427W, National Bee Unit – 27.6.05 HoC 1188W 14.7.05 HoC 1169W, 18.7.05 HoC 1282W, 20.7.05 HoC Newcastle Disease – 21.7.05 HoC 144WS & 1964W 1710W & 21.7.05 HoC 2068W Scrapie – 8.6.05 HoL WA84 GM Food/Materials – 7.6.05 HoC 528W, 9.6.05 HoC Seal Products – 11.7.05 HoC 655W 629W, 27.6.05 HoC 1360W & 28.6.05 HoC 1505W Snaring – 16.6.05 HoC 561W Monsanto’s Maize – 9.6.05 HoC 633W & 5.7.05 HoC Veterinary Medicines (EU Directive) – 28.6.05 HoC 354W 1405W Toxin – 14.6.05 HoC 308W Medicines Directorate – 21.6.05 HoC 890W Surgeons – 12.7.05 HoC 960W Bovine Tuberculosis Surgeons Act – 21.7.05 HoC 1970W Badger Culling – 15.6.05 HoC 420W Badger/Cattle TB – 12.7.05 HoC 951W Badgers – 7.6.05 HoC 441W, 27.6.05 HoC 1183W & Aviation 6.7.05 HoL WA89 Air Transport (Emissions) – 21.6.05 HoC 884W Bovine Tuberculosis – 16.6.05 HoL WA139 & 30.6.05 Aircraft Carbon Dioxide – 27.6.05 HoC 1182W HoL WA31 Emergency Evacuation – 14.7.05 HoL WA164 Tuberculosis – 21.6.05 HoC 885W Pollution – 28.6.05 HoC 1413W Bovine Tuberculosis – 9.6.05 HoC 1375 & 622W, 13.6.05 Seat Spacing and Dimensions – 14.7.05 HoL WA163 HoC 33W, 20.6.05 HoL WA157, 27.6.05 HoC 1317W, & HoL WA164 30.6.05 HoC 1637W, 4.7.05 HoC 3W, 7.7.05 HoC 436 & Hydrocarbons Consumption (International Aviation) – 564W, 11.7.05 HoC 813W, 14.7.05 HoC 1153W, 19.7.05 16.6.05 HoC 529W HoC 1515W & 21.7.05 HoC 1947W
Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 4 Autumn 2005 41 BSE and CJD 21.7.05 HoC 2114W Beef Imports – 12.7.05 HoC 951W Military Technology Transfer – 19.7.05 HoC 1105 BSE – 13.6.05 HoC 33W, 6.7.05 HoC 414W & 20.7.05 Nuclear Weapons – 14.6.05 HoC 333W HoC 1707W QinetiQ – 20.6.05 HoC 667W Variant CJD – 20.7.05 HoC 91WS & HoL WS113 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles – 6.6.05 HoC 246W, 14.6.05 UK Cases – 7.6.05 HoL WA51 HoC 334W, 28.6.05 HoC 1401W & 5.7.05 HoC 262W Watchkeeper – 20.7.05 HoC 86WS & HoL WS104 Chemicals EU Presidency (Environmental and Sustainable Defence (Gulf War) Development) – 19.7.05 HoC 1108 Gulf Veterans – 19.7.05 HoC 58WS & HoL WS75, 21.7.05 Hormone Disruptors – 21.7.05 HoC 1961W HoL 1593 Mole-catchers – 27.6.05 HoC 1188W & 28.6.05 HoC Illnesses – 13.6.05 HoC 1WS & HoL WS49, 1403W Gulf War Illnesses – 21.7.05 HoL WS136 & WA281 Parkinson’s Disease – 14.6.05 HoC 308W Gulf War Veterans: Neuro-imaging Studies – 21.7.05 HoL PBDE – 28.6.05 HoC 1524W WA281 Pesticides/Chemicals (Royal Commission) – 21.7.05 HoC US Gulf War Veterans – 21.7.05 HoL WA323 1965W Phthalates – 9.6.05 HoC 634W & 22.6.05 HoC 1107W Education Strychnine Hydrochloride – 27.6.05 HoC 1295W Academic Freedom – 14.7.05 HoL WA163 Academic Research (Commercial Exploitation) – 11.7.05 Climate Change HoC 827W Air Conditioning – 7.6.05 HoC 457W A-levels – 14.6.05 HoC 351W Carbon Capture – 20.6.05 HoC 696W And GCSEs – 5.7.05 HoL 529 Technology – 20.6.05 HoC 716W Grades – 6.6.05 HoC 326W Carbon Emissions – 16.6.05 HoC 550W, 12.7.05 HoC Mathematics – 19.7.05 HoL WA204 952W & 18.7.05 HoC 1281W Physics and Chemistry – 13.7.05 HoL WA145 Clean Coal: China and India – 19.7.05 HoL 1355 Chemistry – 11.7.05 HoC 833W Climate Change – 6.6.05 HoC 251W, 29.6.05 HoL WA23, Students – 28.6.05 HoC 1434W 7.7.05 HoC 446, 14.7.05 HoC 1153W & 18.7.05 HoC Dyslexia – 11.7.05 HoC 835W 1328W Graduation Statistics – 23.6.05 HoC 943 G8 – adjournment debate – 14.6.05 HoC 58WH Higher Education Institutions – 21.6.05 HoC 1009W G8 – debate – 29.6.05 HoC 1359 International GCSE – 30.6.05 HoC 1701W Programme – 16.6.05 HoC 22WS Life-long Learning (EUC Report) – 7.7.05 HoL 832S Fuel Emissions – 19.7.05 HoL WA211 Mathematics – 21.6.05 HoC 1010W, 4.7.05 HoC 163W, Greenhouse Gas Emissions (EU) – 7.7.05 HoC 429 11.7.05 HoC 840W, 20.7.05 HoC 1723W & 21.7.05 HoC Insects – 21.6.05 HoC 886W 2057W World Climate: Impact of Destruction of Rainforests – Medical Academics – 14.6.05 HoL 1123 6.6.05 HoL WA42 Multiplication – 23.6.05 HoC 1170W Construction Museums – debate – 9.6.05 HoL 1009 Postgraduate Science Degrees – 29.6.05 HoC 1625W Building Regulations (Fire Safety) – 19.7.05 HoC 59WS University Admissions – 4.7.05 HoC 176W Crime Departments (Closures) – 16.6.05 HoC 596W Graduates – 4.7.05 HoC 176W Automatic Number Plate Recognition – 20.6.05 HoC 748W, 4.7.05 HoC 122W & 11.7.05 HoC 759W Credit Card Fraud – 21.7.05 HoC 2186W Energy Identity Theft – 7.6.05 HoC 511W, 9.6.05 HoC 656W & BP Decarbonised Fuel Project (Scotland) – 4.7.05 HoC 20.7.05 HoC 1783W 2WS Internet Fraud – 16.6.05 HoC 611W Carbon Capture and Abatement Technologies – 4.7.05 National Identity Register – 15.6.05 HoC 453W HoC 49W, 7.7.05 HoC 615W & 21.7.05 HoC 1922W Police Information Technology Organisation – 23.6.05 Carbon Sequestration – 4.7.05 HoC 50W, 12.7.05 HoC HoC 46WS 852W & 18.7.05 HoC 1337W Scanner Technology – 19.7.05 HoC 1622W * Clean Coal Technology – 6.6.05 HoL 659 & 27.6.05 HoC 1227W Defence Cleaner Fossil Fuel Technologies – 4.7.05 HoL WS13 A400M – 21.6.05 HoL WA167 Clear Skies Programme – 21.7.05 HoC 1923W Bowman Communication System – 5.7.05 HoC 257W, Coal Gasification Technology – 4.7.05 HoC 50W 7.7.05 HoL 733 & 21.7.05 HoC 2110W Coal Mining – 23.6.05 HoC 1155W Defence Science and Technology Laboratory: Key Targets – Coal Reserves (South Wales) – 6.7.05 HoC 460W 13.7.05 HoC 29WS & HoL WS38 Crude Oil Production – 18.7.05 HoC 1338W Departmental Research – 27.6.05 HoC 1200W Deep Coal Industry – 21.7.05 HoC 1396 Falcon Secure Trunk Communication System – 5.7.05 Domestic Energy Costs – 23.6.05 HoC 1164W HoC 5WS Electricity Generation – 20.7.05 HoC 1739W FRES – 6.6.05 HoC 285W, 27.6.05 HoC 1201W & Waste Energy – 20.6.05 HoL WA152
42 Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 4 Autumn 2005 Energy – 14.6.05 HoC 11WS Carbon Dioxide Emissions – 21.7.05 HoC 1951W Consumption: Domestic Appliances Standby Mode – Munitions/Fireworks Production (Land Contamination) – 22.6.05 HoL WA187 30.6.05 HoC 1643W Efficiency – 9.6.05 HoC 1378 & 4.7.05 HoC 4W Pollution – 12.7.05 HoC 957W Green Paper – 7.7.05 HoC 443 Smog – 5.7.05 HoC 254W Policy – 14.6.05 HoL WS54, 20.6.05 HoL WA151 & Smog Warning – 14.7.05 HoC 1200W 27.6.05 HoL WA3 Trees – 15.6.05 HoC 432W Research – 6.6.05 HoC 306W & 21.7.05 HoC 1926W Research, Development and Training – 27.6.05 HoL 4 Environment (Protection) Security – 18.7.05 HoC 1339W Antarctic Consultative Meeting (Swedish Proposal) – Strategy – 4.7.05 HoC 53W & 5.7.05 HoC 283W 29.6.05 HoC 1575W Supply – 7.6.05 HoC 455W Biospheres – 12.7.05 HoL WA137 White Paper – 13.6.05 HoC 77W Carbon Sequestration – 4.7.05 HoC 3W Gas Turbines – 23.6.05 HoC 1165W Disaster Management – 4.7.05 HoL 413 Hydro Electricity – 19.7.05 HoC 1521W Flood Defences – 27.6.05 HoC 1186W Global Environment Facility – 27.6.05 HoC 1194W Hydro Power – 18.7.05 HoC 1340W Marine Environment – 21.7.05 HoC 1963W Hydrogen Energy – 21.7.05 HoC 1921W Marine Noise Pollution – 6.7.05 HoC 476W Methane Energy – 18.7.05 HoC 1282W Oil Tankers – 15.6.05 HoC 416W Methane Gas – 5.7.05 HoC 284W Plastic Bags – 7.7.05 HoL 731 Natural Gas – 13.6.05 HoC 81W Rainforest – 18.7.05 HoC 1284W Non-polluting Energy Technologies – 18.7.05 HoC 1346W Roads – 4.7.05 HoC 25W North Sea Oil – 19.7.05 HoL WA219 Tree Cover – 13.7.05 HoC 1040W Oil and Gas Imports – 4.7.05 HoC 57W Trees – 16.6.05 HoC 565W & 11.7.05 HoC 655W Oil Imports – 12.7.05 HoC 856W Oil Prices – debate – 8.6.05 HoL 936 EU Meetings Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution – 18.7.05 Agriculture and Fisheries Council – 18.7.05 HoC 47WS & HoC 1350W 21.7.05 HoC 145WS Standby Mode – 16.6.05 HoC 562W Education Ministers (Informal Meeting) – 21.7.05 HoC 127WS & HoL WS124 Energy (Nuclear) Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Advanced Gas-cooled Reactor Nuclear Power Stations – Council – 13.6.05 HoC 1WS & HoL WS50 4.7.05 HoC 47W EU Presidency: Informal Competitiveness Council – Nuclear Fusion – 21.7.05 HoL WA313 21.7.05 HoC 166WS & HoL WS127 Industry – 7.6.05 HoC 462W EU Telecom Council – 13.7.05 HoC 32WS & HoL WS39 Installations: Licensing – 19.7.05 HoL WA229 REACH – 20.7.05 HoC 1712W Power – 7.6.05 HoC 1109, 23.6.05 HoC 929, 12.7.05 HoC 855W & 20.7.05 HoC 1744W Fisheries Cetaceans – 5.7.05 HoC 245W & 11.7.05 HoC 645W Energy (Renewable) Cormorants – 13.7.05 HoC 1037W Biofuels – 9.6.05 HoC 1367 & 12.7.05 HoC 952W Falkland Islands (Fish Stocks) – 14.6.05 HoC 326W Directive – 13.6.05 HoC 32W Fisheries – 23.6.05 HoC 1115W & 21.7.05 HoC 1958W EU Targets – 20.7.05 HoL 1467 Fishing Industry – 9.6.05 HoC 1385 Electricity Generation – 13.6.05 HoL 1064 Strategy Unit Report – 28.6.05 HoC 53WS Energy Crops – 21.7.05 HoC 1955W Marine Bill – 7.6.05 HoC 442W Local Energy Generation – adjournment debate – 6.6.05 River Thames – 4.7.05 HoC 11W HoC 1101 Salmon – 22.6.05 HoL WA186 Microgeneration – 21.7.05 HoC 1920W Fishing – 20.6.05 HoL WA155 Onshore Wind Technology – 28.6.05 HoC 1409W Sea Fish – 21.7.05 HoC 1968W Renewable Energy – 6.6.05 HoC 372W, 7.6.05 HoC 1115, Sea Fishing (Restriction of Days at Sea) Order 2005 – 20.6.05 HoC 721W, 22.6.05 HoC 1042W, 23.6.05 HoC 11.7.05 HoL WA134 1156W, 27.6.05 HoC 1234W, 18.7.05 HoC 1348W, 21.7.05 HoC 163WS & HoL WS150 Food Crops – 9.6.05 HoC 623W Acrylamide (Foodstuffs) – 28.6.05 HoC 1496W Planning – 30.6.05 HoL WA49 Air Services (Meals) – 27.6.05 HoC 1257W * S&T Report – debate – 23.6.05 HoL 1787 Annual Review of Controls on Imports of Animal Products Solar Grants Programme – 16.6.05 HoC 616W – 20.7.05 HoC 89WS Wind Energy – 21.6.05 HoL WA166 British Nutrition Foundation – 16.6.05 HoC 634W Wind Farms – 13.6.05 HoC 85W, 23.6.05 HoC 1155W, Food Irradiation – 18.7.05 HoC 1461W 28.6.05 HoC 1410W, 21.7.05 HoC 1933W Labelling – 19.7.05 HoC 1671W Poisoning – 22.6.05 HoC 1069W Environment (Pollution) Standards Agency – 27.6.05 HoC 1358W Air Pollution – 22.6.05 HoC 1091W GCSE Food Technology – 13.6.05 HoC 195W Aquatic Environment – 20.6.05 HoC 669W Healthy Eating – 20.7.05 HoC 1901W Asbestos – adjournment debate – 28.6.05 HoC 403WH Illegal Meats – 7.6.05 HoC 530W
Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 4 Autumn 2005 43 School Meals – 7.6.05 HoC 476W, 21.6.05 HoC 1023W, Embryos – 18.7.05 HoC 1460W 23.6.05 HoC 1171W & 20.7.05 HoC 1728W Foreign Animal Species – 21.7.05 HoC 2162W Soya Milk – 14.6.05 HoC 309W Genetic Testing – 15.6.05 HoC 507W Trans Fats – 11.7.05 HoC 749W Hepatitis C – adjournment debate – 11.7.05 HoC 672 UK-produced Food – 11.7.05 HoC 656W Herbal Medicinal Products – 21.7.05 HoC 2168W Human Embryos (Research) – 11.7.05 HoC 728W Food (Supplements) Macular Degeneration – 15.6.05 HoC 512W EU Regulation (Nutrition and Health Claims) – 7.6.05 HoC Malarial Infections – 5.7.05 HoC 352W 526W MRSA – research – 27.6.05 HoC 1372W Food Labelling/Supplements – 7.6.05 HoC 526W Myalgic Encephalomyelitis – 21.6.05 HoC 952W Supplements – 20.6.05 HoC WA154 Neonatal Care – 11.7.05 HoL WA128 Supplements Directive – 22.6.05 HoL WA184 & Obesity – 19.7.05 HoC 1676W 21.7.05 HoC 2162W Organ Transplants – debate – 21.7.05 HoL 1604 Ovarian Tissue Transplants – 21.7.05 HoC 2174W Health (Cancer) Palliative Care – 21.7.05 HoC 2175W Anaemia – 27.6.05 HoC 1337W Palliative Care – debate – 7.7.05 HoL 786 Anastrozole – 18.7.05 HoC 1379W Panton-Valentine Leukocidin – 16.6.05 HoC 643W Breast Cancer – 6.6.05 HoC 414W, 14.6.05 HoC 147, Streptococcus Testing – 6.6.05 HoC 439W 20.6.05 HoC 696W & 843W & 21.7.05 HoC 2146W Venous Thromboembolism – 21.7.05 HoC 152WS & HoL Screening – 22.6.05 HoC 1095W WS164 Cancer – 4.7.05 HoC 203W Virus Outbreaks – 14.7.05 HoC 1201W Deaths – 4.7.05 HoC 192W Xenotransplantation – 6.6.05 HoC 260W Research – 20.7.05 HoC 1869W Services/Treatment – 27.6.05 HoC 1339W Health (Infections) Treatment – 28.6.05 HoC 1500W, 30.6.05 HoC Bacteriophages – 30.6.05 HoC 1752W & 7.7.05 HoC 1752W, 18.7.05 HoC 1454W, 19.7.05 HoC 1662W & 575W 20.7.05 HoC 1893W Clostridium Difficile – 13.6.05 HoC 49W, 89W & 102W, Treatment – debate – 21.7.05 HoL 1631 15.6.05 HoC 502W, 21.6.05 HoC 964W, 22.6.05 HoC Cervical Cancer – 5.7.05 HoC 274W 1068W & 1097W, 27.6.05 HoC 1344W, 28.6.05 HoC Smear Tests – 15.6.05 HoC 501W 1502W, 11.7.05 HoC 717W, 19.7.05 HoC 1663W & Childhood Cancer – 7.6.05 HoC 525W 20.7.05 HoC 1895W Lymphoma – 28.6.05 HoC 1514W Health Care Associated Infection – 13.6.05 HoC 104W, Medical Research Council – 21.7.05 HoC 1930W 27.6.05 HoC 1363W, 6.7.05 HoC 454W & 11.7.05 HoC Myeloma – 6.6.05 HoC 432W, 12.7.05 HoC 972W, 727W 18.7.05 HoC 1468W & 21.7.05 HoC 1983W Hospital Hygiene – 21.6.05 HoC 966W & 22.6.05 HoC Photodynamic Therapy – 11.7.05 HoC 742W 1104W Prostate Cancer – 6.6.05 HoC 371W Hospital Infections – 28.6.05 HoC 1425W, 4.7.05 HoC Skin Cancer – 13.7.05 HoC 1146W 86W & 21.7.05 HoC 2169W Testicular Cancer – 20.6.05 HoC 703W Hospital-acquired Infections – 16.6.05 HoC 640W, 29.6.05 HoC 1607W, 30.6.05 HoC 1759W, 5.7.05 HoC 350W, Health (General) 6.7.05 HoC 433W, 12.7.05 HoC 889W & 981W & Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening – adjournment 14.7.05 HoC 1189W debate – 21.6.05 HoC 227WH Infection Surveillance Data – 13.6.05 HoC 104W & Abortion – 6.6.05 HoC 413W 14.7.05 HoC 1190W Allergies – 15.6.05 HoC 499W MRSA – 13.6.05 HoC 105W, 28.6.05 HoC 1397W & Alzheimer’s Disease – 20.7.05 HoC 1889W 1519W & 6.7.05 HoC 456W Avian Flu – 23.6.05 HoL 1725, 11.7.05 HoC 812W & National Infection Control Manual – 20.7.05 HoC 1909W 21.7.05 HoC 2146W Surgical Site Infections – 20.6.05 HoC 869W Bowel Diseases – 13.7.05 HoC 1124W Cannabis – 27.6.05 HoC 1020 Health (International Development) Chlamydia – 20.7.05 HoC 1893W Africa (HIV/AIDS/Tuberculosis) – 5.7.05 HoC 266W Childhood Obesity – 16.6.05 HoC 634W Antiretroviral Drugs – 13.6.05 HoC 3W Chronic Fatigue – 15.6.05 HoC 501W Brazil (HIV/AIDS) – 8.6.05 HoC 589W Chronic Liver Disease – 16.6.05 HoC 635W Malaria – 13.7.05 HoC 1044W Colitis/Crohn’s Disease – 6.7.05 HoC 460W Malaria/Tuberculosis – 19.7.05 HoC 1577W Complementary Medical Practitioners – 20.7.05 HoC Malarial Infection – 30.6.05 HoC 1684W 1896W Polio – 6.7.05 HoL WS21 Complex Regional Pain Syndrome – 13.6.05 HoC 76W Eradication – 6.7.05 HoC 10WS Coronary Heart Disease – adjournment debate – 9.6.05 HoC 199WH Health (Service and IT) Dental Health Research – debate – 4.7.05 HoL 486 Allergy Specialists – 20.6.05 HoC 783W Diabetes – 20.6.05 HoC 790W Appraisals (NIHCE) – 30.6.05 HoC 1750W Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy – 6.6.05 HoC 421W, Influenza – 7.6.05 HoC 530W & 14.6.05 HoC 307W 16.6.05 HoC 636W & 27.6.05 HoC 1355W Pandemic – 7.7.05 HoC 580W
44 Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 4 Autumn 2005 National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence – Alzheimer’s – 6.6.05 HoC 413W, 14.6.05 HoC 158, 6.6.05 HoC 432W 16.6.05 HoC 630W & 12.7.05 HoC 696 NHS Research Ethics Committees – 6.6.05 HoC 33WS & Antibiotics – 7.6.05 HoC 524W & 6.7.05 HoC 448W HoL WS35, 13.7.05 HoC 1139W & 18.7.05 HoC 1468W Animals – 5.7.05 HoC 243W NHS: Specialised Services – debate – 11.7.05 HoL 955 Antipsychotic Drugs – 11.7.05 HoC 716W Positron Emission Tomography Services – 19.7.05 HoC Clinical Trials – 30.6.05 HoC 1753W 1677W Directive – 21.6.05 HoC 963W, 27.6.05 HoC 1343W National NHS Database – 11.7.05 HoC 734W & 21.7.05 HoC 2161W NHS: Information Systems – 11.7.05 HoL WA130 Co-proxamol – adjournment debate – 13.7.05 HoC 936 NHS (IT Programme) – 8.6.05 HoC 587W Counterfeit Medicines – 22.6.05 HoC 1086W, 28.6.05 HoC 1465W, 4.7.05 HoC 206W & 21.7.05 HoC 2148W Health (Vaccines) Diabetes: Insulin Injection Pens – 9.6.05 HoL 964 Anthrax Vaccination – 18.7.05 HoC 1309W Drugs – 4.7.05 HoC 126W Avian Flu – 18.7.05 HoL WA182 Drugs Blacklist – 20.7.05 HoC 1899W Hepatitis – 30.6.05 HoC 1757W Erythropoietin – 18.7.05 HoC 1461W Hepatitis B – 14.7.05 HoC 1189W & 18.7.05 HoC Flixotide – 6.6.05 HoC 421W 1465W Herceptin – 6.6.05 HoC 426W & 27.6.05 HoC 1362W Influenza Pandemic – 5.7.05 HoC 351W Illicit Medicines – 20.7.05 HoC 1902W MMR (Students) – 28.6.05 HoC 1518W Khat – adjournment debate – 8.6.05 HoC 183WH MMR Vaccinations – 13.7.05 HoC 1137W Multiple Sclerosis – 16.6.05 HoC 641W Mumps – 20.6.05 HoC 795W & 19.7.05 HoC 1675W Orlistat – 13.7.05 HoC 1143W Thimerosal – 28.6.05 HoC 1527W Pharmaceutical Counterfeiting – 28.6.05 HoC 1470W Tuberculosis – 28.6.05 HoC 1528W Pharmaceuticals – 6.6.05 HoC 436W Vaccination – 18.7.05 HoL WA198 Rheumatology – 15.6.05 HoC 515W Ritalin – 6.6.05 HoC 438W Information Technology Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors – 4.7.05 HoC E-Government – 6.6.05 HoC 392W 227W Government Departments: Electronic Attack – 18.7.05 Seroxat – 13.7.05 HoC 1145W & 20.7.05 HoC 1917W HoL WA188 Simvastatin – 20.6.05 HoL WA152, 13.7.05 HoC 1146W IT Outsourcing – 14.6.05 HoL WA122 & 21.7.05 HoC 2181W Open Source Software – 15.6.05 HoL WA137 Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products Directive – 27.6.05 Police Information Technology Organisation – 23.6.05 HoL HoC 1383W WS80 Velcade – 28.6.05 HoC 1473W Schools: Open Source Software – 14.6.05 HoL WA121 Zoledronate – 13.6.05 HoC 110W
Information Technology (ID Cards) Nuclear and Radiation Hazards Biometric Information – 28.6.05 HoC 1448W & 4.7.05 Childhood Leukaemia (Power Lines) – 20.6.05 HoC 785W HoC 122W Committee on Radioactive Waste Management – 13.6.05 Readers – 18.7.05 HoL WA182 HoC 34W & 29.6.05 HoL WA25 Identity Cards – 8.6.05 HoC 576W, 9.6.05 HoC 655W, Leukaemia (High Voltage Lines) – 14.6.05 HoC 307W 20.6.05 HoC 757W, 27.6.05 HoC 1242W & 28.6.05 HoC Nuclear Industry – 13.6.05 HoC 83W 1451W Inventories (Missing Material) – 16.6.05 HoC 577W Biometric Technology – 13.6.05 HoC 159W & Power – 18.7.05 HoC 1347W 21.7.05 HoL WA284 Technology – 15.6.05 HoC 449W Nuclear Waste – 21.6.05 HoC 887W & 918W & 22.6.05 Identity Checks (Heathrow) – 9.6.05 HoC 656W HoC 1040W Portsmouth – 6.7.05 HoC 428W Intellectual Property Overhead Power Lines – 13.6.05 HoC 94W Portsmouth Nuclear Accident Plan – 28.6.05 HoC 1399W Draft European Computer Implemented Inventions Directive – 6.6.05 HoC 305W Radioactive Waste (Consultation) – 7.7.05 HoC 440 Patent Act – 18.7.05 HoC 1348W Disposal – 6.7.05 HoC 429W Management – 23.6.05 HoC 1119W International Development THORP Plant – 15.6.05 HoC 413W Africa (Poverty) – adjournment debate – 30.6.05 HoC 1466 Africa Commission – debate – 20.6.05 HoL 1484 Science Policy Fossil Fuels (International Funding) – 29.6.05 HoC Business and Industry Skills – 11.7.05 HoC 700W 1541W DEFRA Laboratory Strategy – 14.7.05 HoC 36WS & HoL Horticulture – 12.7.05 HoC 1005W WS47 Water and Sanitation – 20.7.05 HoC 1866W Empirical Economics of Standards – 20.6.05 HoC 28WS European Charter for Researchers – 11.7.05 HoC 701W Medicines and Drugs Measurement Advisory Committee – 11.7.05 HoC 702W Actrapid Insulin – 22.6.05 HoC 1091W & 29.6.05 HoC Parliamentary Links Day – 22.6.05 HoC 797 1595W Research and Development – 30.6.05 HoC 1435, 11.7.05 Adverse Drug Reactions – 20.7.05 HoC 1885W HoC 843W, 13.7.05 HoC 1145W & 18.7.05 HoL WA197
Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 4 Autumn 2005 45 Research, Technology and Development – 5.7.05 HoC Transport 285W Air Pollution – 9.6.05 HoC 625W Science and Engineering Graduate Scheme – 4.7.05 HoC Biofuels – 12.7.05 HoC 994W 140W Carbon Emissions – 5.7.05 HoC 244W & 20.7.05 HoC Science and Innovation Investment Framework – 20.7.05 1708W HoL WS110 Fuel-efficient Cars – 12.7.05 HoC 999W Science Budget – 6.7.05 HoC 466W Hydrogen Fuel Cell Buses – 20.7.05 HoC 1794W Science Investment – 7.7.05 HoC 620W & 19.7.05 HoC New Cars (Emissions) – 8.6.05 HoC 553W 1694W Passenger Transport (Fuel Consumption) – 20.7.05 HoC Stem Cell Research – 28.6.05 HoC 1527W 1798W US-UK Technology Transfer – 18.7.05 HoC 1353W Pedestrian Crossings – 14.6.05 HoC 250W Pelican and Puffin Crossings – 6.6.05 HoC 278W Space Quieter Road Surfaces – 14.6.05 HoC 251W British National Space Centre – 18.7.05 HoC 1337W Renewable Transport Fuels – 9.6.05 HoC 1384 & 7.7.05 European Space Policy – 23.6.05 HoC 1165W HoC 603W Space Exploration and Research – 5.7.05 HoL WA82 Road Charging Research – 27.6.05 HoC 1268W Weapons in Space – 30.6.05 HoC 1738W Pricing – 27.6.05 HoC 1269W Surfaces – 7.6.05 HoL WA63 Sustainable Development Tax – 7.7.05 HoC 604W Deforestation (Brazil) – 12.7.05 HoC 1003W Transport Fuels – 7.7.05 HoC 606W Forests – 20.6.05 HoC 691W Solar-powered Devices – 6.6.05 HoC 279W Future of Transport – 6.6.05 HoC 277W Wheel Detachment Incidents – 21.7.05 HoC 2139W Rainforests – 15.6.05 HoL 1195 Illegal Logging – 4.7.05 HoL WA64 Review of Sustainable Construction – 7.7.05 HoC 18WS Spatial Strategy (Water) – 20.6.05 HoC 840W Waste Sustainability Designing – 8.6.05 HoC 563W Farm Plastics – 12.7.05 HoC 953W * Sustainable Development – adjournment debate – 7.7.05 Government’s National Waste Strategy – 21.7.05 HoC HoC 141WH 147WS Action Plans – 20.7.05 HoC 1714W Hazardous Waste – 16.6.05 HoC 553W Indicators – 30.6.05 HoC 65WS Incinerators – 15.6.05 HoC 509W Packaging – 4.7.05 HoC 9W Telecommunications and Broadcasting Recycling – 11.7.05 HoC 651W & 14.7.05 HoC 1157W 3G Masts – 18.7.05 HoC 1425W Sustainable Waste Management – 21.7.05 HoC 142WS Airwave – 20.6.05 HoC 747W Ty r es – 30.6.05 HoC 1645W Digital Reception (Rural Areas) – 18.7.05 HoC 1363W Waste Disposal – 14.7.05 HoC 1158W Digital Satellite Broadcasting – 23.6.05 HoC 1138W Definition – 6.6.05 HoL WA41 Digital Switchover – 21.7.05 HoC 112WS Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive – Adjournment debate – 5.7.05 HoC 54WH 18.7.05 HoC 1353W Digital Television – 13.6.05 HoC 10, 16.6.05 HoC Management – 13.6.05 HoC 45W, 15.6.05 HoC 433W 524W(2), 11.7.05 HoC 634W & 21.7.05 HoL WS123 & 27.6.05 HoC 1190W Mobile Phone Masts – 14.6.05 HoC 275W & 23.6.05 HoC Recycling – 28.6.05 HoC 1406W 1138W Mobile Phones (Children) – 8.6.05 HoC 612W & 28.6.05 HoC 1519W Mobile Telephones – 7.6.05 HoC 531W Water Remote Electronic Voting – 18.7.05 HoC 1305W Water (Bacterial Contamination) – 16.6.05 HoC 646W Telecommunications Masts – 22.6.05 HoC 1112W, 5.7.05 Fluoridation – 5.7.05 HoC 367W HoC 403W & 21.7.05 HoC 2097W Pollution – 13.6.05 HoC 47W Adjournment debate – 28.6.05 HoC 345WH Resources – 18.7.05 HoC 1289W Tetra Transmission – 7.6.05 HoC 522W Supply – 7.7.05 HoL 736
46 Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 3 Summer 2005 Euro-News Commentary on science and technology within the European Parliament and the Commission
Parliament rejects a proposal on retention of data should promote improvements to the environment and to prevent terrorist crimes landscape by sustainable land management. Following recommendations from the Committee on Civil Patenting of computerised inventions Liberties, Parliament rejected a proposal from France, In a second reading vote on the controversial directive on Ireland, Sweden and the United Kingdom on the the patentability of computerised inventions, the EP Legal adoption of a framework decision. This concerned the Affairs Committee is recommending to allow patents on retention of data processed and stored in connection with computer-driven inventions to protect the software itself. the provision of publicly available electronic It is now up to the Parliament to decide. communication services or data on public communications networks. The purpose of the proposal PAH use to be restricted was prevention, investigation, detection and prosecution A new European directive intends to reduce the use of of crime and criminal offences including terrorism. certain aromatic hydrocarbons. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are constituents in oils, some of Ban on six phthalates which are used as extender oils in the production of tyres, Parliament voted in favour of a permanent ban on six and some of which are classified as carcinogenic, phthalates, DEHP, DBP, BBP, DINP, DIDP and DNOP in mutagenic and reprotoxic substances. Tyre tread, for toys and childcare articles. Phthalates are used to soften example, contains up to 28 per cent of extender oils. plastic. Since 1999, the use of six types of phthalate have These dangerous substances are released into the been temporarily banned in the manufacture of toys and environment in the form of fine particles through tyre childcare articles for children under the age of three debris. From 2010, producers will have to apply new because of their carcinogenic, mutagenic and reprotoxic restrictive norms. effects. These chemicals are not trapped by the PVC and can be released into the mouth and then absorbed by a REACH "an asset for European competitiveness" child who is chewing a toy. MEPs also called on the The EU’s proposed new chemicals package (REACH) will Commission to look at other types of material containing "give a push to competitiveness in Europe" according to these phthalates, especially in the fields of healthcare, food Luxembourg’s Minister for the Environment, Lucien Lux, packaging, and floor coverings. They also wanted to limit at a REACH workshop where KPMG presented their the use of aromatic ingredients to 0.05% of the plasticized impact assessment study which concluded that the material so as not to encourage children to put the articles additional costs to industry were negligible. into their mouths. Manufacturers use aromatic products Biometrics technology to mask the naturally unpleasant odour of phthalates. Biometrics technology, which uses physical or behavioural Flame retardants: MEPs challenge the Commission information to identify a person, is increasingly being discussed as a means to tackle fraud and theft. National The "comitology" procedure, by which the power to take debates are under way in several countries on how decisions on mainly technical matters is delegated to the desirable this technology is. A wider examination of its Commission, is throwing up another conflict between implications, involving all potential stakeholders, is yet to MEPs and the European Commission. This time the take place. dispute is over whether to scrap restrictions imposed two years ago on the use of decaBDE, a brominated flame- European gateway for science education retardant used chiefly to ensure that electric and electronic The European Commission has launched a new European devices, such as televisions and computers, do not burst gateway for science education – the Xplora portal – to into flames. The Commission wants to lift the restrictions make science more interesting to young people and but MEPs adopted a resolution opposing this plan. The encourage them to take up scientific careers. Xplora MEPs believe the Commission has clearly exceeded its provides resources for primary and secondary education, implementing powers and are calling on the Council to and is aimed at teachers, pupils, scientists, oppose the proposal. Brominated flame retardants can communication professionals and others involved in have toxic effects on health and the environment. Some science education. To discover Xplora please visit of them, penta- and octaBDE were in fact completely http://www.xplora.org banned two years ago. Parliament fought up to the conciliation stage to win a ban on octaBDE and Keeping Europe at the forefront of restrictions on decaBDE, pending – for the latter – more nanotechnology precise risk assessments. These do not convince MEPs The European Commission has proposed an action plan who note that less toxic substitute products exist, hence for nanosciences and nanotechnologies (N&N) which the justification for continuing the ban. makes clear what the Commission and the Member States must do in order to keep Europe at the forefront in this Agriculture in the outermost regions field. The Commission has pledged to reinforce N&N Programmes for agriculture in the outermost regions of within FP7 to include specific support for nanoelectronics the Union will apply from 1 January 2006 or from a date under the information society technologies section of FP7 thereafter. The list of products eligible should be a matter and to boost funding for research into the potential for each Member State. Community support programmes impacts of N&N.
Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 3 Summer 2005 47 European Union - Digest
The references are to the Official Journal of the European Communities (OJ), Adopted Legislation from the L Series (OJL) and Proposals and Opinions from the C Series (OJC).
Agriculture Commission Decisions: Commission Regulations: 2005/618/EC on maximum concentrations of certain 1294/2005 on organic production of agricultural products – hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment OJ L205(p16)6.8.05 – OJ L214(p65)19.8.05 1336/2005 on organic production of agricultural products – 2005/625/EC on permitted quantities of methyl bromide – OJ L211(p11)13.8.05 OJ L219(p47)24.8.05 Commission Decision 2005/608/EC on marketing of a Opinion of the Committee of the Regions on EU chemicals maize product genetically modified for resistance to corn policy – OJ C164(p78)5.7.05 rootworm – OJ L207(p17)10.8.05 Construction First Call for proposals for the Community programme on Commission Decision 2005/610/EC on classes of reaction- genetic resources in agriculture – OJ C183(p21)26.7.05 to-fire performance for certain construction products – OJ Animals and Veterinary Matters L208(p21)11.8.05 Commission Regulations: Defence 943/2005 concerning the permanent authorisation of Commission Decision 2005/516/EC establishing the additives in feedingstuffs – OJ L159(p6)22.6.05 European Security Research Advisory Board – OJ 1091/2005 on specific control methods for the control of L191(p70)22.7.05 salmonella – OJ L182(p3)13.7.05 1292/2005 on animal nutrition – OJ L205(p3)6.8.05 Energy and Nuclear Industries 1299/2005 on maximum residue limits of veterinary Council Directives: medicinal products in foodstuffs of animal origin – OJ 2005/32/EC on ecodesign requirements for energy-using L206(p4)9.8.05 products – OJ L191(p29)22.7.05 1332/2005 on the protection of species of wild fauna and 2005/33/EC on marine fuels – OJ L191(p59)22.7.05 flora – OJ L215(p1)19.8.05 1356/2005 on maximum residue limits of veterinary Environment Opinions: medicinal products in foodstuffs of animal origin – OJ L214(p3)19.8.05 Committee of the Regions on flood risk management – OJ Commission Decisions: C164(p1)5.7.05 2005/434/EC on domestic movements of animals from Economic and Social Committee on the European restricted zones – OJ L151(p21)14.6.05 Environment and Health Action Plan – OJ 2005/436/EC on co-operation for the control of Foot-and- C157(p65)28.6.05 Call Mouth Disease – OJ L151(p26)14.6.05 for proposals under a Community programme 2005/439/EC on a Community veterinary reference promoting non-governmental organisations active in laboratory in the UK – OJ L152(p20)15.6.05 environmental protection – OJ C188(p21)2.8.05 2005/472/EC on financing of studies covering food safety, Education and Training animal health and zootechnics – OJ L166(p12)28.6.05 Opinion of the Committee of the Regions on lifelong 2005/515/EC on the introduction of the Traces system – OJ learning – OJ C164(p59)5.7.05 L187(p29)19.7.05 Call for proposals on Tempus III: Guide for Applicants – OJ 2005/598/EC prohibiting the marketing of products derived C170(p16)9.7.05 from cattle born or reared in the UK before 1.8.96 – OJ L204(p22)5.8.05 Fisheries 2005/603/EC on restricted zones relating to bluetongue in Council Regulations: Italy – OJ L206(p11)9.8.05 953/2005 on fishing arrangements between the EEC and 2005/604/EC on brucellosis in Italy – OJ L206(p12)9.8.05 Cote d’Ivoire – OJ L164(p1)24.6.05 2005/617/EC recognising the system for identification of 1300/2005 on certain types of fish and vessels engaged in ovine and caprine animals in the UK – OJ illegal fisheries – OJ L207(p1)10.8.05 L214(p63)19.8.05 1147/2005 on fishing for sand eel in the North Sea and the 2005/619/EC on protection measures relating to avian flu in Skagerrak – OJ L185(p19)16.7.05 certain Asian countries – OJ L214(p66)19.8.05 1156/2005 on fishing for roundnose grenadier by vessels Opinions of the Economic and Social Committee: flying the flag of Spain – OJ L187(p16)19.7.05 humane trapping standards for certain animal species – OJ 1170/2005 on fishing for Northern prawn by vessels flying C157(p70)28.6.05 the flag of Lithuania – OJ L188(p25)20.7.05 storage of semen of bovine animals – OJ C157(p74)28.6.05 1178/2005 on fishing for Blue Ling by vessles flying the flag of France – OJ L189(p28)21.7.05 Chemicals 1189/2005 on fishing for common sole by vessels flying the Commission Directive 2005/46/EC on maximum residue flag of France – OJ L193(p25)23.7.05 levels for amitraz – OJ L177(p35)9.7.05 1202/2005 on fishing for forkbeards by vessels flying the Commission Regulation 1048/2005 on biocidal products – flag of Germany – OJ L195(p13)27.7.05 OJ L178(p1)9.7.05 1262/2005 on fishing opportunities for herring – OJ L201(p23)2.8.05
48 Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 4 Autumn 2005 1265/2005 on fishing for sandeel in certain areas by vessels Call for independent experts for eContentplus and Safer flying the flag of Denmark – OJ L201(p31)2.8.05 Internet Plus Programmes – OJ C156(p23)28.6.05 1266/2005 on fishing for anglerfish in certain areas by vessels flying the flag of France – OJ L201(p33)2.8.05 Minerals and MIning Commission Regulations 1285/2005 on trade in rough 1281/2005 on the management of fishing licences – OJ L203(p3)4.8.05 diamonds – OJ L203(p12)4.8.05 1303/2005 on prohibition of fishing for common sole by Public Health and Pharmaceuticals vessels flying the flag of France – OJ L207(p13)10.8.05 Council Decision 2005/594/EC appointing four members 1304/2005 on prohibition of fishing for blue whiting by of the Management Board of the European Medicines vessels flying the flag of France – OJ L207(p15)10.8.05 Agency – OJ L203(p22)4.8.05 1350/2005 prohibiting fishing for mackerel by vessels flying Commission Directive 2005/50/EC on reclassification of the flag of France – OJ L213(p3)18.8.05 joint replacements – OJ L210(p41)12.8.05 1351/2005 prohibiting fishing for Norway lobster by vessels Judgment of the Court of Justice on distinction between flying the flag of France – OJ L213(p5)18.8.05 medicinal products and food additives – OJ 1352/2005 prohibiting fishing for forkbeards by vessels C193(p4)6.8.05 flying the flag of France – OJ L213(p7)18.8.05 1361/2005 prohibiting fishing for tusk by vessels flying the Plants and their Protection Products flag of Spain – OJ L214(p57)19.8.05 Council Decision 2005/523/EC on the International 1362/2005 prohibiting fishing for forkbeards by vessels Convention for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants – flying the flag of Spain – OJ L214(p59)19.8.05 OJ L192(p63)22.7.05 1363/2005 prohibiting fishing for blue ling by vessels flying Commission Directive 2005/48/EC on maximum residue the flag of Spain – OJ L214(p61)19.8.05 levels for certain pesticides – OJ L219(p29)24.8.05 1404/2005 prohibiting fishing for anglerfish by vessels Commission Regulation 1335/2005 amending previous flying the flag of Belgium – OJ L222(p8)27.8.05 Regulation and Decisions on the use of certain substances – 1405/2005 prohibiting fishing for common sole by vessels OJ L211(p6)13.8.05 flying the flag of Belgium – OJ L222(p10)27.8.05 Commission Decision 2005/487/EC on the withdrawal of 1415/2005 prohibiting fishing for ling by vessels flying the products containing triazamate – OJ L174(p72) 7.5.05 flag of Germany – OJ L222(p23)27.8.05 Science Policy 1416/2005 prohibiting fishing for cod by vessels flying the Commission Decision 2005/615/EC with regard to flag of Spain – OJ L222(p25)27.8.05 national laboratories in certain Member States – OJ Commission Decisions: L213(p14)18.8.05 2005/496/EC, 2005/497/EC, 2005/498/EC and Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee on a 2005/499/EC on the import of fishery products from European strategy for nanotechnology – OJ various countries – OJ L183(p84-99)15.7.05 C157(p22)28.6.05 2005/475/EC on approved zones and farms for fish diseases Calls for proposals: VHS and IHN – OJ L176(p30)8.7.05 Structuring the European Research Area. Science and 2005/606/EC on Regional Advisory Council for Pelagic Society: Risk Governance and Ethics; Science stocks under the CFP – OJ L206(p21)9.8.05 Communication; Women and Science – OJ Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee on a C145(p3)15.6.05 Community Fisheries Control Agency – OJ Structuring the European Research Area – OJ C157(p61)28.6.05 C147(p22)17.6.05 Foodstuffs European Research Area. Aeronautics and Space: Commission Regulations: Sustainable Energy Systems; Sustainable Surface Transport – 1148/2005 on maximum residue limits of penethamate – OJ C168(p64)8.7.05 OJ L185(p20)16.7.05 European Research Area. Life Sciences, genomics and 1200/2005 on additives in feedingstuffs – OJ biotechnology for health – OJ C168(p54)8.7.05 L195(p6)27.7.05 Integrating and Strengthening the European Research Area – 1206/2005 on additves in feedingstuffs – OJ OJ C170(p18)9.7.05 L197(p12)28.7.05 European Research Area: Global Change and Ecosystems – Commission Decisions: OJ C177(p34)19.7.05 2005/448/EC authorising marketing of foods derived from Structuring the European Research Area – OJ genetically modified Maize NK603 – OJ L158(p20)21.6.05 C178(p14)20.7.05 2005/457/EC authorising the marketing of isomaltulose as a Transport novel food – OJ L160(p28)23.6.05 Council Decision 2005/614/EC on approval of vehicles Intellectual Property and Patents regarding the protection of passengers in the event of a Commission Regulation 1041/2005 on the Community collision – OJ L217(p1)22.8.05 trade mark – OJ L172(p4)5.7.05 Commission Directive 2005/49/EC on electromagnetic IT, Telecommunications and Broadcasting compatability of vehicles – OJ L194(p12)26.7.05 Commission Regulation 1099/2005 on Community TSEs statistics on the information society – OJ L183(p47)14.7.05 Council Regulation 932/2005 on rules for eradication of Commission Decision 2005/513/EC on the harmonised certain transmissible spongiform encephalopathies – OJ use of radio spectrum in the 5GHz frequency – OJ L163(p1)23.6.05 L187(p22)19.7.05 Opinion of the European Data Protection Supervisor on Waste Visa Information System and the exchange of data between Commission Opinions concerning plans for the disposal of Member States – OJ C181(p13)23.7.05 radioactive waste – OJ C195(p2&3)10.8.05
Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 4 Autumn 2005 49 Volume 62 Numbers 1-4 Index - Science in Parliament 2005 ISSN 0263-6271
Opinions Bovine Tuberculosis – Towards a Science Based Sandra Gidley MP Spring 1 Control Strategy Whit 25 Professor Colin Blakemore Spring 2 Science Education and the Science Learning Centres Summer 4 Colin Challen MP Spring 3 The role of the Chief Scientific Adviser, MOD Summer 6 Sir John Krebs Whit 2 The challenge of chairing the Science Advisory Council Summer 7 Dr Lindsay Sharp Whit 3 British Council Science from the Past to the Future Summer 28 The Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP Summer 1 Nuclear Power: what do MPs and the public think about it? Summer 30 Professor Peter Saunders Summer 2 Facing the Challenge of Change for a Safer Environment Summer 31 Robert Key MP Autumn 3 The Charities Bill and Learned and Professional Societies Summer 32 The Natural History Museum Autumn 2 Front and Back Covers ID cards and the National Identity Register Autumn 4 Einstein Year gets off the Ground Spring 22 Parliamentary Links Day Autumn 13 Engineering & Physical Sciences for the 21st century Spring 24 Warning of Catastrophe: the way forward Autumn 22 Fighting Infection Whit 20 NHS PFI is not NHS PLC Autumn 24 Chemical Engineering on the Menu Whit 22 The Private Finance Initiative: a policy built on sand Autumn 25 One hundred years of hormones Summer 24 Geophysics Education in the UK Autumn 28 Steel’s Fire Performance under Scrutiny Summer 26 Promoting UK/Japan Science & Technology The advent of a new industrial revolution and the Collaborations Autumn 29 Airbus A350 wing Autumn 16 The Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention Meeting State of the Nation Report 2005 Autumn 18 of Experts Autumn 30 Visions of Science Autumn 20 Spaceport Autumn 32 Sustainable Development: the Engineering Contribution Addresses to the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee Guidance documents for young engineers Autumn 34 Risk Perception and Risk Assessment versus Hazard Reduction Book Review Alastair Evans Spring 4 Pioneering Research - a risk worth taking Summer 9 Professor Philip Dale Spring 6 Dr Chris Elliott Spring 8 POST Papers Standing on the Shoulders of Giants The future of UK gas supplies Spring 33 Professor George Smith Spring 10 Organ transplants Spring 33 Professor Sir David King Spring 12 UK health impacts of climate change Spring 33 Dr Julia King Spring 14 Digital television Spring 33 Animal Contributions to Science and Society Marine nature conservation Spring 33 Sir John Sulston Spring 16 Data protection and medical research Whit 32 Professor Tipu Aziz Spring 18 The bushmeat trade Whit 32 Dr Robert Hubrecht Spring 20 Managing the plutonium stockpile Whit 32 Annual Lunch: HRH The Princess Royal Whit 5 Carbon capture and storage Whit 32 From the Scene of Crime to the Courthouse Science in the new Parliament Summer 34 William Hughes Whit 8 Early warnings for natural disasters Summer 34 Professor Gloria Laycock Whit 10 Gene therapy Summer 34 Gary Pugh Whit 12 Fighting diseases of developing countries Summer 34 The UK – Best place in the world for Innovation Open source software Summer 34 Richard Page MP Whit 14 Ethical scrutiny of research Summer 34 Sir Keith O’Nions Whit 14 Binge drinking and public health Summer 34 Catherine Beech Whit 15 Rapid climate change Summer 34 Patrick McDonald Whit 16 Changing role of pharmacies Summer 35 Professor Ian Diamond Whit 17 Infection control in healthcare settings Autumn 36 Sir Richard Sykes Whit 18 Professor Sir David King Whit 19 House of Commons Library Research Papers Ageing – Putting off the Evil Day The Mental Capacity Bill Spring 34 Professor Tom Kirkwood Summer 10 The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Bill Whit 33 Professor John Lever Summer 12 The Drugs Bill Whit 33 Dr Reynold Greenlaw Summer 14 The Natural Environment and Rural Communities Bill Summer 33 The Nuclear Energy Option Lord Broers Summer 16 Summaries of Debates Sir Donald Miller Summer 18 MRSA (Hospitals) Spring 38 Eur Ing Ann McCall Summer 20 Medicinal Cannabis Spring 38 Godfrey Boyle Summer 22 Diabetes Spring 38 Plastic Waste AIDS/TB/Malaria (Global Fund) Spring 39 Peter Davis Autumn 6 Hospital-acquired Infections Spring 39 Graham L Hearn Autumn 8 Renewable Energy Spring 40 Dr Roger Morton Autumn 10 Hydrogen Technology Spring 41 Lee Clayton Autumn 11 Critical National Infrastructure Spring 41 Marine Environment Spring 42 Parliamentary and Scientific Committee Visits Science and Treaties (S&T Report) Whit 35 London IDEAS Genetics Knowledge Park Autumn 26 Stem Cell Research Whit 36 International Development Policy (Science) Whit 36 Special Articles Global Warming and Climate Change Whit 38 The Innovation Challenge: Lessons from America Climate Change (EUC Report) Whit 38 and the UK Spring 26 Extracts from the Debate on the Queen’s Speech Summer 36 Bees on their Knees? Spring 28 Wild Flowers Summer 37 Towards One Institution of Engineers Spring 29 Renewable Energy (S&T Report) Autumn 38 Eating with the P and S Whit 24 Sustainable Development Autumn 39
50 Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 4 Autumn 2005 Science Directory DIRECTORY INDEX Aerospace and Aviation Institution of Chemical Engineers Academy of Medical Sciences BBSRC Queen Mary, University of London Royal Society of Chemistry British Association for the University of East Anglia SEMTA Advancement of Science HFEA Chemistry British Society for Antimicrobial LGC Agriculture CCLRC Chemotherapy University of Newcastle upon Tyne BBSRC University of East Anglia CABI Bioscience Queen Mary, University of London Campden & Chorleywood Food Institution of Chemical Engineers Campden & Chorleywood Food Research Association LGC Research Association Geographical Information Institute of Biology University of Leeds Clifton Scientific Trust Systems LGC London Metropolitan Polymer Economic and Social Research University of East Anglia University of Newcastle upon Tyne Centre Council University of Leeds SCI Royal Institution Engineering and Physical Sciences Society for General Microbiology Royal Society of Chemistry Research Council Geology and Geoscience UFAW SCI Institute of Biology AMSI Colloid Science Institute of Mathematics and its University of East Anglia Animal Health and Welfare, London Metropolitan Polymer Applications Institution of Civil Engineers Veterinary Research Centre Institute of Physics Natural Environment Research ABPI Royal Society of Chemistry Institution of Chemical Engineers Council Academy of Medical Sciences LGC British Veterinary Association Construction and Building London Metropolitan Polymer Hazard and Risk Mitigation FRAME Institution of Civil Engineers Centre Institution of Chemical Engineers Royal College of Veterinary London Metropolitan Polymer NESTA RSA Surgeons Centre Royal Institution UFAW SCI The Royal Society Health Royal Statistical Society ABPI Astronomy and Space Science Dentistry SEMTA Academy of Medical Sciences CCLRC Queen Mary, University of London British Society for Antimicrobial PPARC Energy Chemotherapy Queen Mary, University of London Earth Sciences CCLRC University of East Anglia University of East Anglia Institution of Chemical Engineers Economic and Social Research Atmospheric Sciences, Climate English Nature Institution of Civil Engineers Council RSA and Weather University of Leeds HFEA SCI CCLRC Institute of Physics and Engineering Engineering University of East Anglia Ecology, Environment and in Medicine CCLRC Natural Environment Research Biodiversity LGC Engineering and Physical Sciences Council AMSI Medical Research Council Research Council British Ecological Society University of Newcastle upon Tyne Institution of Chemical Engineers Biotechnology CABI Bioscience Royal Institution Institution of Civil Engineers BBSRC University of East Anglia University of Leeds Royal Society of Chemistry Campden & Chorleywood Food Economic and Social Research London Metropolitan Polymer Society for General Microbiology Research Association Council Centre University of East Anglia English Nature Royal Academy of Engineering Heart Research Institute of Biology Environment Agency SCI ABPI LGC Freshwater Biological Association SEMTA University of Leeds Institute of Biology Hydrocarbons and Petroleum National Physical Laboratory Institution of Chemical Engineers Fisheries Research University of Newcastle upon Tyne University of Newcastle upon Tyne Institution of Civil Engineers Freshwater Biological Association Royal Society of Chemistry Royal Society of Chemistry LGC Industrial Policy and Research RSA University of Leeds Food and Food Technology AIRTO SCI Natural Environment Research CABI Bioscience CCLRC Society for General Microbiology Council Campden & Chorleywood Food Economic and Social Research Royal Botanic Gardens Kew Research Association Council Brain Research Royal Society of Chemistry Institute of Biology Institution of Civil Engineers ABPI SCI Institution of Chemical Engineers Royal Academy of Engineering Merck Sharp & Dohme Society for General Microbiology LGC RSA University of Newcastle upon Tyne University of Surrey University of Leeds SCI Royal Society of Chemistry Cancer Research Economic and Social Research SCI Information Services ABPI Economic and Social Research Society for General Microbiology AIRTO University of East Anglia Council University of Leeds University of Leeds Forensics IT, Internet, University of Newcastle upon Tyne University of Newcastle upon Tyne LGC Telecommunications, Computing Queen Mary, University of London RSA Royal Society of Chemistry and Electronics CABI Bioscience Catalysis Education, Training and Skills Genetics CCLRC University of East Anglia ABPI ABPI University of East Anglia
Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 4 Autumn 2005 51 Engineering and Physical Sciences Motor Vehicles Public Policy Seed Protection Research Council University of Leeds British Society for Antimicrobial CABI Bioscience University of Leeds London Metropolitan Polymer Chemotherapy University of Newcastle upon Tyne Centre Economic and Social Research Sensors and Transducers Queen Mary, University of London SEMTA Council AMSI University of Surrey HFEA CCLRC Oceanography NESTA Intellectual Property AMSI Prospect SSSIs ABPI Natural Environment Research Queen Mary, University of London The Chartered Institute of Patent Council English Nature Royal Botanic Gardens Kew Agents Public Understanding of Science NESTA Oil Academy of Medical Sciences Queen Mary, University of London Institution of Chemical Engineers British Association for the Statistics LGC Advancement of Science Royal Statistical Society Large-Scale Research Facilities British Society for Antimicrobial Surface Science Campden & Chorleywood Food Particle Physics Chemotherapy CCLRC Research Association CCLRC Clifton Scientific Trust CCLRC University of Leeds University of East Anglia Sustainability London Metropolitan Polymer PPARC Engineering and Physical Sciences CABI Bioscience Centre Research Council PPARC Patents University of East Anglia The Chartered Institute of Patent HFEA English Nature Lasers Agents Institute of Biology Environment Agency CCLRC NESTA Institute of Physics Institution of Chemical Engineers Institution of Chemical Engineers Institution of Civil Engineers Management Pharmaceuticals Medical Research Council London Metropolitan Polymer University of Leeds ABPI NESTA Centre British Pharmacological Society Prospect SCI Manufacturing British Society for Antimicrobial Royal Academy of Engineering Royal Institution ABPI Chemotherapy Technology Transfer AMSI Institution of Chemical Engineers The Royal Society CABI Bioscience Engineering and Physical Sciences LGC Royal Society of Chemistry Campden & Chorleywood Food Research Council Merck Sharp & Dohme RSA University of Leeds Queen Mary, University of London Quality Management Research Association London Metropolitan Polymer Royal Society of Chemistry Campden & Chorleywood Food CCLRC Centre SCI Research Association LGC SCI LGC University of Leeds Physical Sciences London Metropolitan Polymer Materials Cavendish Laboratory Radiation Hazards Centre CCLRC Engineering and Physical Sciences HPA Radiation Protection NESTA University of Leeds Research Council Division National Physical Laboratory London Metropolitan Polymer London Metropolitan Polymer Centre Centre Retail Tropical Medicine National Physical Laboratory National Physical Laboratory Marks and Spencer Society for General Microbiology Queen Mary, University of London PPARC Satellite Engineering Viruses Mathematics Physics University of Surrey Institute of Mathematics and its Cavendish Laboratory ABPI Society for General Microbiology Applications Institute of Physics Science Policy University of Leeds University of Leeds ABPI National Physical Laboratory Academy of Medical Sciences Water Medical and Biomedical Research PPARC British Association for the AMSI ABPI Advancement of Science Campden & Chorleywood Food Academy of Medical Sciences Physiology Clifton Scientific Trust Research Association Association of Medical Research University of Leeds Economic and Social Research University of East Anglia Charities Environment Agency British Pharmacological Society Pollution and Waste Council Freshwater Biological Association British Society for Antimicrobial ABPI Engineering and Physical Sciences Chemotherapy AMSI Research Council Institution of Chemical Engineers University of East Anglia CABI Bioscience HFEA Institution of Civil Engineers HFEA University of East Anglia Institute of Physics LGC University of Leeds Environment Agency Institution of Chemical Engineers University of Newcastle upon Tyne Medical Research Council Institution of Chemical Engineers LGC Royal Society of Chemistry University of Newcastle upon Tyne Institution of Civil Engineers Medical Research Council SCI Queen Mary, University of London London Metropolitan Polymer NESTA Society for General Microbiology RSA Centre Prospect Royal Academy of Engineering University of Surrey Natural Environment Research Wildlife Royal Institution UFAW Council University of East Anglia The Royal Society English Nature Mining, Minerals and Metal Psychology Royal Society of Chemistry Production British Psychological Society The Science Council Institute of Biology Rio Tinto plc University of Leeds UFAW UFAW
52 Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 4 Autumn 2005 Association Association Academy of the British of Marine of Medical Pharmaceutical Scientific Industries Sciences Industry Contact: Mrs Mary Manning, Executive Director Contact: John Southerden, Director Contact: Dr Philip Wright Academy of Medical Sciences 12 Whitehall, London SW1A 2DY Association of Marine Scientific Industries 10 Carlton House Terrace Tel: 020 7747 1408 4th Floor, 30 Great Guildford Street London SW1Y 5AH Fax: 020 7747 1417 Tel: 020 7969 5288 E-mail: [email protected] London SE1 0HS Website: www.abpi.org.uk Fax: 020 7969 5298 Tel: 020 7928 9199 Fax: 020 7928 6599 E-mail: [email protected] The Association for the British Pharmaceutical Industry members brings together companies in E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.acmedsci.ac.uk Britain producing prescription medicines both Website: www.maritimeindustries.org through manufacture and supply as well as research The Academy of Medical Sciences promotes and development (R&D). advances in medical science and campaigns to The ABPI’s mission is to represent the pharmaceutical AMSI is a constituent association of the Society of ensure these are converted as quickly as industry operating in the UK in a way that: possible into healthcare benefits for society. The Maritime Industries; the other associations are: ● assures patient access to the best available Academy’s eight hundred Fellows are the United medicine; Association of British Offshore Industries (ABOI) Kingdom’s leading medical scientists from ● creates a favourable political and economic British Marine Equipment Association (BMEA) hospitals, academia, industry and the public environment; British Naval Equipment Association (BNEA) service. The Academy provides independent, ● encourages innovative research and development; authoritative advice on public policy issues in ● avoids unfair commercial returns Ports and Terminals Group (PTG) medical science and healthcare.
AIRTO Association Biotechnology
Contact: Professor Richard Brook of Medical and Biological AIRTO : Association of Independent Research Research Charities & Technology Organisations Sciences c/o CCFRA, Station Road, Chipping Campden, Contact: Diana Garnham, Chief Executive Gloucestershire GL55 6LD. Association of Medical Research Charities Research Council Tel: 01386 842247 61 Gray’s Inn Road, London WC1X 8TL. Contact: Dr Monica Winstanley, Fax: 01386 842010 Tel: 020 7269 8820 Fax: 020 7269 8821 Head of External Relations E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] BBSRC, Polaris House, North Star Avenue Website: www.airto.co.uk Website: www.amrc.org.uk Swindon SN2 1UH. Tel: 01793 413204 AIRTO represents the UK’s independent The Association of Medical Research Charities E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.bbsrc.ac.uk research and technology sector - member (AMRC) works to advance medical research in the organisations employ a combined staff of over UK and, in particular, aims to improve the The BBSRC is the UK’s leading funding agency for 20,000 scientists and engineers with a effectiveness of the charitable sector in medical academic research in the non-medical life sciences and research. There are over 100 member charities is funded principally through the Science Budget of the turnover in the region of £2 billion. Work within the Association: in 2003/2004 their combined Office of Science and Technology. It supports staff in carried out by members includes research, expenditure on biomedical research in the UK was universities and research institutes throughout the UK, consultancy, training and global information £634 million. AMRC provides information, and funds basic and strategic science in: agri-food, monitoring. AIRTO promotes their work by guidance and advice to medical research charities animal sciences, biomolecular sciences, biochemistry building closer links between members and and information and data on the activities of the and cell biology, engineering and biological systems, industry, academia, UK government agencies charity sector in medical research to government, the genes and developmental biology, and plant and and the European Union. media and decision-formers. microbial sciences.
British British British Association Ecological Pharmacological Society Society Advancing for the Advancement molecules into Contact: Nick Dusic, Science Policy Manager medicines. of Science - the BA British Ecological Society Contact: Sarah-Jane Stagg 26 Blades Court, Deodar Road, Putney, British Pharmacological Society Contact: Sir Roland Jackson Bt, Chief Executive London, SW15 2NU 16 Angel Gate, City Road, The BA, Wellcome Wolfson Building, Tel: 020 8871 9797 Fax : 020 8871 9779 London EC1V 2SG. 165 Queen’s Gate, London SW7 5HE. E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 020 7417 0113 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.BritishEcologicalSociety.org Fax: 020 7417 0114 Website: www.the-BA.net E-mail: [email protected] The BES is an active, successful and independent The BA is the UK’s nationwide, open membership Website: www.bps.ac.uk scientific society. It aims to promote the science of organisation dedicated to connecting people with ecology worldwide. It supports the ecological The British Pharmacological Society’s 2,500 science, so that science and its applications become research and education communities to ensure members are trained to study drug action from accessible to all. The BA aims to promote openness that they remain vibrant and productive, thus the laboratory bench to the patient’s bed-side. Our about science in society and to engage and inspire generating new knowledge, skilled people and a members come from academia, industry, hospitals people directly with science and technology and their greater appreciation of the science of ecology in and regulatory authorities and government implications. the wider community. The Society publishes bodies. Our aim is to improve the quality of life by Established in 1831, the BA organises major initiatives internationally renowned journals, organises across the UK, including the annual BA Festival of developing new medicines to treat and prevent Europe’s biggest annual meeting of ecologists, the diseases and conditions which affect millions Science, National Science Week, programmes of provides advice to policy-makers and opinion of people and animals. Inquiries about drugs and regional and local events, and an extensive programme formers, has an active programme of educational for young people in schools and colleges. initiatives and provides grants. how they work are welcome.
Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 4 Autumn 2005 53 The British British Society British Veterinary Psychological for Antimicrobial Association Society Chemotherapy Contact:Chrissie Nicholls 7 Mansfield Street, London W1G 9NQ Contact: Dr Ana Padilla Contact: Tracey Guest, Executive Officer Tel: 020 7636 6541 Parliamentary Officer Fax: 020 7637 4769 The British Psychological Society British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy E-mail:[email protected] 33 John Street 11 The Wharf, 16 Bridge Street, www.bva.co.uk London WC1N 2AT Birmingham B1 2JS. BVA’s chief interests are: Tel: 020 7692 3412 Tel: 0121 633 0410 Fax: 020 7419 6922 Fax: 0121 643 9497 * Standards of animal health Email: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] * Veterinary surgeons’ working practices Website: www.bps.org.uk Website: www.bsac.org.uk * Professional standards and quality of service Founded in 1971, and with 800 members * Relationships with external bodies, particulary The British Psychological Society is an worldwide, the Society exists to facilitate the government organisation of over 34,000 members acquisition and dissemination of knowledge in BVA carries out three main functions which are: governed by Royal Charter. It maintains the the field of antimicrobial chemotherapy. The Register of Chartered Psychologists, * Policy development in areas affecting the BSAC publishes the Journal of Antimicrobial profession publishes books, 10 primary science Journals Chemotherapy (JAC), internationally renowned for * Protecting and promoting the profession in and organises conferences. Requests for its scientific excellence, undertakes a range of matters propounded by government and other information about psychology and educational activities, awards grants for research external bodies psychologists from parliamentarians are and has active relationships with its peer groups welcome. and government. * Provision of services to members
CABI Campden & Cavendish Bioscience Chorleywood Laboratory Contact: Dr Joan Kelley, Director, CABI Bioscience Food Research The Administrative Secretary, The Cavendish CABI Bioscience, Bakeham Lane, Laboratory, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK. Egham, Surrey TW20 9TY. Association E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 01491 829080 Fax: 01491 829100 http://www.phy.cam.ac.uk E-mail: [email protected] Contact: Prof Colin Dennis, Director-General CCFRA, Chipping Campden, The Cavendish Laboratory houses the Department of Physics of Website: www.cabi-bioscience.org Gloucestershire GL55 6LD. the University of Cambridge. CABI Bioscience is a new breed of international Tel: 01386 842000 Fax: 01386 842100 Its world-class research is focused in a number of experimental organisation specialising in sustainable agriculture, the E-mail: [email protected] and theoretical diverse fields. conservation of biodiversity, invasive species Website: www.campden.co.uk management and industrial and environmental Astrophysics: Millimetre astronomy, optical interferometry A independent, membership-based industrial research observations & instrumentation. Astrophysics, geometric bioremediation. Globally the work of CABI Bioscience association providing substantial R&D, processing, algebra, maximum entropy, neutral networks. focuses on the farmer and his need to adapt and analytical hygiene, best practice, training, auditing and respond to the changes and challenges of the markets HACCP services for the food chain worldwide. High Energy Physics: LEP, SPS & future LHC experiments. - these may be for organic produce, a route to Members include growers, processors, retailers, Detector development. Particle physics theory. transgenic production, or dealing with the effects of caterers, distributors, machinery manufacturers, Condensed Matter Physics: Semiconductor physics, quantum climate change or alien invasive species in a safe and government departments and enforcement authorities. effect devices, nanolithography. Superconductivity, magnetic sustainable way. Employs over 300; serves over 2,000 member sites; thin films. Optoelectronics, conducting polymers. Biological and has a subsidiary company in Hungary. Activities CABI Bioscience UK is one of a network of 6 global Soft Systems. Polymers and Colloids. Surface physics, fracture, focus on safety, quality, efficiency and innovation. CABI Bioscience centres and a division of CAB wear & erosion. Amorphous solids. Electron microscopy. International, a 42 member strong UN treaty-level Participates in DTI’s Faraday Partnerships and collaborates with universities on LINK projects and Electronic structure theory & computation. Structural phase organisation. Its sister enterprise is CABI Publishing, a transitions, fractals, quantum Monte Carlo calculations leading international life science publisher. studentships, transferring practical knowledge between industry and academia. Biological Physics.
Chartered Clifton Council Institute of Scientific for the Patent Agents Trust Central Laboratory
Contact: Michael Ralph - Contact: Dr Eric Albone of the Research Secretary & Registrar Clifton Scientific Trust Councils The Chartered Institute of Patent Agents 49 Northumberland Road, Bristol BS6 7BA 95 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1DT Tel: 0117 924 7664 Fax: 0117 924 7664 Contact: Natalie Bealing Tel: 020 7405 9450 E-mail: [email protected] CCLRC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Fax: 020 7430 0471 Website: www.clifton-scientific.org Chilton, Oxfordshire, OX11 0QX E-mail: [email protected] Science for Citizenship and Employability, CCLRC Daresbury Laboratory Website: www.cipa.org.uk Science for Life, Science for Real Daresbury, Cheshire, WA4 4AD CIPA’s members practise in intellectual property, We build grass-roots partnerships between Tel: 01235 445484 Fax: 01235 446665 school and the wider world of professional E-mail: [email protected] especially patents, trade marks, designs, and Website: www.cclrc.ac.uk copyright, either in private partnerships or science and its applications industrial companies. CIPA maintains the • for young people of all ages and abilities The CCLRC is the UK’s strategic agency for scientific statutory Register. It advises government and • experiencing science as a creative, research facilities. It also supports leading-edge science questioning, human activity and technology by providing world-class, large-scale international circles on policy issues and • bringing school science added meaning and experimental facilities. These advanced technological provides information services, promoting the capabilities, backed by a pool of expertise and skills notivation, from primary to post-16 across a broad range of disciplines, are exploited by more benefits to UK industry of obtaining IP • locally, nationally, internationally (currently protection, and to overseas industry of using than 1100 government, academic, industrial and other between Britain and Japan) research organisations around the world each year. The British agents to obtain international protection. Clifton Scientific Trust Ltd is registered charity 1086933 annual budget of the CCLRC is c. £150 million.
54 Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 3 Summer 2005 University Economic and Engineering of East Anglia Social Research and Physical Contact: Science Communication Officer Council Sciences University of East Anglia Contact: Lesley Lilley, Research Council Norwich NR4 7TJ Senior PR and Parliamentary Officer Contact: Lucy Brady, Economic and Social Research Council, Head of Marketing and Communications, Tel: 01603 593007 Polaris House, North Star Avenue, Fax: 01603 259883 Swindon SN2 1UJ EPSRC, Polaris House, E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 01793 413119 Fax 01793 413130 North Star Avenue, Swindon SN2 1ET Website: www.uea.ac.uk [email protected] Tel: 01793 444147 Fax: 01793 444005 http://www.esrc.ac.uk E-mail: [email protected] From award-winning technology translating The ESRC is the UK’s leading research and training Website:www.epsrc.ac.uk speech into sign language, to internationally- agency addressing economic and social concerns. We EPSRC invests more than £500 million a year in renowned climate research, and from the pursue excellence in social science research; work to research and postgraduate training in the physical intricacies of diseases such as cancer to the increase the impact of our research policy and sciences and engineering, to help the nation handle large-scale hazards of earthquakes and practice; and provide trained social scientists who the next generation of technological change. The volcanoes, UEA scientists are carrying out meet the needs of users and beneficiaries, thereby areas covered range from mathematics to materials world-class research and teaching. A strongly contrbuting to the economic competitiveness of the science, and information technology to structural interdisciplinary science cluster: Biological United Kingdom, the effectiveness of public services engineering. Sciences, Chemical Sciences and Pharmacy, and policy, and quality of life. The ESRC is We also actively promote public engagement with Environmental Sciences, Computing Sciences independent, established by Royal Charter in 1965, science and engineering, and we collaborate with a and Mathematics. and funded mainly by government. wide range of organisations in this area.
English Environment Freshwater Nature Agency Biological
Contact: Dr Keith Duff, Contact: Prof Michael Depledge, Association Chief Scientist Head of Science Contact: Dr Roger Sweeting, English Nature Rio House, Waterside Drive, Aztec West, Chief Executive. Northminster House, Peterborough, Almondsbury, Bristol BS32 4UD The Freshwater Biological Association, The PE1 1UA Tel: 01454 284433 Ferry House, Far Sawrey, Ambleside, Tel: 01733-455208 Fax: 01454 284301 Cumbria LA22 0LP. Fax: 01733-568834 E-mail: michael.depledge@environment- Tel: 015394 42468 Fax: 015394 46914 E-mail: [email protected] agency.gov.uk E-mail: [email protected] Website address: www.english-nature.org.uk Website: www.environment-agency.gov.uk Website: www.fba.org.uk English Nature is the Government’s wildlife The Environment Agency is responsible for The Freshwater Biological Association is an agency working throughout England. With protecting and enhancing the environment in independent organisation and a registered Charity, our partners and others we promote the England and Wales. We contribute to founded in 1929. It aims to promote freshwater conservation of wildlife and natural places. sustainable development through the science through an innovative research integrated management of air, land and water. programme, an active membership organisation We commission research and publish scientific We commission research to support our and by providing sound independent opinion. It papers which underpin the development of functions through our Science Programme that publishes a variety of specialist volumes and policies and programmes to maintain and is based on a 5 year plan developed through houses one of the finest freshwater libraries in the enhance biodiversity consultation. world.
Fund for the Health Human Replacement Protection Fertilisation of Animals in Agency and Medical Radiation Protection Division (formerly NRPB) Embryology Experiments Contact: Dr Michael Clark Radiation Protection Division Scientific Authority Contact: Professor Robert Combes, Spokesperson Scientific Director Chilton, Didcot, Oxon OX11 0RQ FRAME, Russell & Burch House Tel:01235 822737 Fax: 01235 822746 Contact: Tim Whitaker 96-98 North Sherwood Street Email: [email protected] Website: www.hpa.org.uk/radiation 21 Bloomsbury St Nottingham NG1 4EE London WC1B 3HF Tel: 0115 958 4740 Fax: 0115 950 3570 The Radiation Protection Division was formed on 1 Tel: 020 7291 8200 E-mail: [email protected] April 2005 when the National Radiological Website: www.frame.org.uk Protection Board merged with the Health Protection Fax: 020 7291 8201 Agency, under the provisions of the Health Protection Email: [email protected] Registered Charity No.: 259464 Agency Act 2004. Website: www.hfea.gov.uk FRAME considers that the current scale of live As part of the Centre for Radiation, Chemical and animal experimentation is unacceptable, but Environmental Hazards, the Division carries out the recognises that the immediate total abolition of all Agency’s work on ionising and non-ionising radiations. The HFEA is a non-departmental Government animal experimentation is not possible. FRAME It undertakes research to advance knowledge about body that regulates and inspects all UK clinics advocates the Three Rs approach, with the long-term protection of people from the risks of these radiations; providing IVF, donor insemination or the aim of eliminating the need for live-animal provides laboratory and technical services; runs storage of eggs, sperm or embryos. The HFEA experiments altogether, through the proper training courses; provides development, validation and acceptance of expertinformation and has a also licenses and monitors all human embryo replacement alternative methods. significant advisory role in the UK. research being conducted in the UK.
Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 3 Summer 2005 55 Institute The Institute of of Mathematics Biology and its Applications Contact: Lisa Wright, Personal Assistant to Contact: Prof Alan Malcolm, Chief Executive Contact: Public Relations Department Executive Director 76 Portland Place, London W1B 1NT 20 Queensberry Place, London SW7 2DZ Institute of Mathematics and its Applications Tel: 020 7470 4800 Tel: 020 7581 8333 Catherine Richards House, 16 Nelson Street E-mail: [email protected] Fax: 020 7823 9409 Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS1 1EF Websites: www.iop.org Tel: 01702 354020 www.einsteinyear.org E-mail: [email protected] Fax: 01702 354111 Website: www.iob.org 2005 is Einstein Year, part of an international E-mail: [email protected] celebration of physics to mark the centenary of Website: www.ima.org.uk the publication of Einstein’s most famous The biological sciences have truly come of theories. The Institute of Physics (IOP), the age with the new millennium and the The IMA is a professional and learned society for learned society and professional body which Institute of Biology is the professional body qualified and practising mathematicians. Its mission is represents physics and physicists, is co- to represent biology and biologists to all. A to promote mathematics in industry, business, the ordinating a range of activities designed to show source of independent advice to public sector, education and research. the diversity and importance of modern physics Forty percent of members are employed in education today and to enthuse and inspire young people Government, a supporter of education, a (schools through to universities), and the other 60% to study physics. measure of excellence and a disseminator of work in commercial and governmental organisations. The IOP supports physics in schools, colleges information - the Institute of Biology is the The Institute is incorporated by Royal Charter and has and universities and provides policy advice and Voice of British Biology. the right to award Chartered Mathematician status. opportunities for public debate.
Institute of Institution Physics and of Civil Engineering Engineers in Medicine Contact: Neal Weston, External Relations Manager Contact: Robert Neilson, General Secretary One Great George Street, Westminster, Fairmount House, 230 Tadcaster Road, London SW1P 3AA, UK York, YO24 1ES Tel: 020 7665 2151 Tel: 01904 610821 Fax: 01904 612279 Fax: 020 7222 0973 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.ipem.org.uk Website: www.ice.org.uk IPEM is a registered, incorporated charity for the ICE aims to be a leader in shaping the advancement, in the public interest, of physics and engineering profession. With over 70,000 engineering applied to medicine and biology. It accredits medical physicists, clinical engineers and members, ICE acts as a knowledge exchange clinical technologists through its membership register, for all aspects of civil engineering. As a organises training and CPD for them, and provides Learned Society, the Institution provides opportunities for the dissemination of knowledge expertise, in the form of reports and comment, through publications and scientific meetings. IPEM is on a wide range of subjects from energy licensed by the Science Council to award CSci and by generation and supply, to sustainability and the the Engineering Council (UK) to award CEng, IEng environment. and EngTech.
LGC University London Queens Road, Teddington of Leeds Metropolitan Middlesex, TW11 0LY Tel: +44 (0)20 8943 7000 Contact: Dr W E Lewis, Polymer Centre Fax: +44 (0)20 8943 2767 Director of Research Support Unit E-mail: [email protected] Contact: Alison Green, Research Support Unit, 3 Cavendish Road, Website: www.lgc.co.uk London Metropolitan University Leeds LS2 9JT 166-220 Holloway Road, London N7 8DB LGC is Europe’s leading independent analytical Tel: 0113 3436028 Tel: 020 7133 2189 laboratory providing chemical and DNA-based analysis, Fax: 0113 3434058 Fax: 020 7133 2184 diagnostic services, reference standards, R&D, method E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] development, consultancy and training to both the Website: http://www.leeds.ac.uk/rsu Website: www.polymers.org.uk public and private sectors. LGC operates in a diverse range of markets including foods, pharmaceuticals, The University of Leeds is among the The London Metropolitan Polymer Centre provides biotechnology, environment, chemicals and petroleum. largest research universities in Europe. training, consultancy and applied research to the UK We have some 3000 researchers, including polymer (plastics & rubber) industry. The training Under arrangements for the office and function of courses are delivered through a programme of Government Chemist, LGC fulfils specific statutory postgraduates, and an annual research income of more than £70m. Research activity industrial short courses and customised courses and duties and provides advice for Government and the these, together with distance learning and other wider analytical community on the implications of extends across nine faculties representing most core disciplines and often crosses flexible delivery methods, lead to qualifications analytical chemistry for matters of policy, standards and ranging from technician to Masters level. Recent regulation. traditional subject boundaries. In the last Research Assessment Exercise, we had 35 successes include a WRAP sponsored programme to LGC is based in Teddington, Middlesex, with other UK schools rated internationally or nationally develop new commercial applications for recycled PET and several technology transfer projects with operations in Runcorn and Edinburgh, and facilities in ‘excellent’. France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, Sweden and India. companies.
56 Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 3 Summer 2005 Marks & Medical Merck Sharp & Spencer Plc Research Dohme Research Contact: David S Gregory Council Laboratories Waterside House 35 North Wharf Road Contact: Elizabeth Mitchell Contact: Dr Ruth M McKernan London 20 Park Crescent, London W1B 1AL. W2 1NW. Tel: 020 7636 5422 Fax: 020 7436 2665 Neuroscience Research Centre Tel: 020 8718 8247 E-mail: Terlings Park E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] Website: www.mrc.ac.uk Eastwick Road Main Business Activities Harlow Retailer - Clothing, Food, Financial The Medical Research Council (MRC) is Essex CM20 2QR funded by the UK taxpayer. We are Services and Home. independent of Government, but work closely Over 400 stores in 30 countries Tel: 01279 440426 with the Health Departments, the National Fax: 01279 440178 worldwide. Employing 65,000 people. Health Service and industry to ensure that the research we support takes account of the E-mail: [email protected] We offer our customers quality, value, public’s needs as well as being of excellent service and trust in our brand by scientific quality. As a result, MRC-funded www.msd-nrc.co.uk applying science and technology to research has led to some of the most develop innovative products and significant discoveries in medical science and benefited millions of people, both in the UK Drug discovery for brain diseases. services. and worldwide.
The National National Natural Endowment Physical Environment Research Council for Science, Laboratory Technology and Contact: Sheila Anderson, the Arts National Physical Laboratory Head of Communications Hampton Road, Teddington Polaris House, North Star Avenue Swindon SN2 1EU Contact: Nicky Edwards Middlesex TW11 0LW Tel: 01793 411646 Fax: 01793 411510 Policy & Public Affairs Manager Tel: 020 8943 6880 Fax: 020 8943 6458 Fishmongers’ Chambers E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.nerc.ac.uk 110 Upper Thames Street, London EC4R 3TW Website: www.npl.co.uk Tel: 020 7645 9500 The UK’s Natural Environment Research Council Fax: 020 7645 9501 The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is the funds and carries out impartial scientific research Email: [email protected] United Kingdom’s national standards laboratory, in the sciences of the environment. NERC trains Website: www.nesta.org.uk an internationally respected and independent the next generation of independent environmental NESTA (the National Endowment for centre of excellence in research, development scientists. Science, Technology and the Arts) is all about and knowledge transfer in measurement and NERC funds research in universities and in a innovation. Through a range of pioneering materials science. For more than a century, NPL network of its own centres, which include: programmes, we invest in talented people has developed and maintained the nation’s and ground-breaking ideas. On a wider scale primary measurement standards - the heart of British Antarctic Survey, British Geological we work to improve the climate for change in an infrastructure designed to ensure accuracy, Survey, Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, this country, acting as a catalyst for change consistency and innovation in physical Southampton Oceanography Centre and and helping the UK to fulfil its potential. measurement. Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory
University of Particle Physics and Prospect Newcastle Astronomy Contact: Sue Ferns, upon Tyne Prospect Head of Research and Specialist Research Services, Prospect House Contact: Dr Douglas Robertson Council 75 – 79 York Rd, London SE1 7AQ Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU Tel: 020 7902 6639 Fax: 020 7902 6637 E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 0191 222 5347 Fax: 0191 222 5219 Contact: Nigel Calvin www.prospect.org.uk E-mail: [email protected] Policy and Public Affairs Manager Website: www.ncl.ac.uk Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council Prospect is an independent, thriving and Polaris House, North Star Avenue forward-looking trade union with 104,000 The University of Newcastle is a member of Swindon, Wiltshire SN2 1SZ members. We represent scientists, the Russell Group of research-intensive Tel: 01793 442176 Fax: 01793 442125 technologists and other professions in the Universities and is enjoying substantial E-mail: [email protected] civil service, research councils and private growth in student numbers and research Website: www.pparc.ac.uk sector. income. The University has a well balanced portfolio of research funding across all The PPARC is the UK’s strategic science investment Prospect’s collective voice champions the sponsor groups and has one of the highest agency that directs and funds research in national and interests of the engineering and scientific levels of research projects funded by UK international programmes in fundamental physics. community to key opinion-formers and Government Departments and EU activity. It It is this research into fundamental physics that lies policy makers and, with negotiating rights was recently identified in a national survey as behind some of the major technological advances of the with over 300 employers, we seek to secure a one of the top Universities in the UK for 20th Century, and delivers world leading science, better life at work by putting members’ pay, technology transfer. technologies and people for the UK. conditions and careers first.
Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 3 Summer 2005 57 Queen Mary, The Royal University Academy of London of Engineering
Contact: Caroline Quest, Contact: Tom McLaughlan, Contact: Terry Friese-Greene Director of Communications Innovation and Enterprise Technology Group Consultant Queens’ Building, Mile End Road 29 Great Peter Street Rio Tinto plc Westminster, London SW1P 3LW London E1 4NS 6 St James’s Square, London SW1Y 4LD Tel: 020 7882 7458 Fax: 020 7882 5128 Tel: 020 7227 0500 Fax: 020 7233 0054 Tel: 020 7753 2467 Email: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.raeng.co.uk Queen Mary, University of London, Website: www.riotinto.com Founded in 1976, the Royal Academy of Engineering incorporates the St Bartholomew’s and Royal Rio Tinto is a leading international mining promotes the engineering and technological welfare of London School of Medicine and Dentistry. company which focuses on exploration for first the country by facilitating the application of science. Queen Mary’s outstanding research strengths class ore-bodies and the development of large, As a national academy, we offer independent and cover the spectrum from Electronic efficient long-life mines capable of sustaining impartial advice to Government; work to secure the Engineering to Preventive Healthcare. It is next generation of engineers; pursue excellence; and competitive advantage. Principal products provide a voice for Britain’s engineering community. home to world-renowned specialist centres (aluminium, borates, coal, copper, gold, iron ore, including the Centre for Commercial Law Our Fellowship - comprising the UK’s most eminent titanium dioxide, uranium, nickel, talc, salt, engineers - provides the leadership and expertise for Studies, the Interdisciplinary Research Centre diamonds and silver) provide the materials our activities, which focus on the importance of in Biomedical Materials and the William necessary for economic progress and prosperity in engineering and technology to wealth creation and the Harvey Research Institute. the developed and developing world. quality of life.
Royal College The Royal of Veterinary Institution
Surgeons Contact: Dr Gail Cardew Contact: Jeff Gill, Policy Officer, Head of Programmes External Affairs Department The Royal Institution Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) 21 Albemarle Street, London W1S 4BS Belgravia House, 62-64 Horseferry Road Tel: 020 7409 2992 Fax: 020 7670 2920 London SW1P 2AF. E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.rigb.org Tel: +44 (0)20 7202 0735 (Direct) +44 (0)20 7222 2001 The Royal Institution has a reputation established Fax: +44 (0)20 7202 0740 over 200 years for its high calibre events that E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.rcvs.org.uk break down the barriers between science and society. It acts as a unique forum for informing “Promoting and sustaining public confidence in veterinary medicine”. The Royal College of people about how science affects their daily lives, Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) is the regulatory body and prides itself on its reputation of engaging the for veterinary surgeons in the UK and is responsible public in scientific debate. The Royal Institution for the registration of veterinary surgeons, for has a range of activities all under one roof, from monitoring standards of veterinary education and for programmes for schools and a forum for the professional conduct. The Government regularly consults the RCVS on a range of legislative issues general public, through to a heritage programme, including animal welfare, control of animal disease an arts–science initiative, a media centre and and veterinary certification. state-of-the-art chemistry labs.
The Royal Royal Society The Royal Society for the Society of Contact: Dr David Stewart Boak, encouragement of Chemistry Director Communications The Royal Society, 6-9 Carlton House Terrace, Arts, manufactures Contact: Dr Stephen Benn London, SW1Y 5AG. Parliamentary Affairs Tel: 020 7451 2510 Fax: 020 7451 2615 and commerce The Royal Society of Chemistry Email: [email protected] Website: www.royalsoc.ac.uk Contact: Susie Harries Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BA Founded in 1660, the Royal Society is an independent 8 John Adam Street Tel: 020 7437 8656 Fax: 020 7734 1227 academy promoting the natural and applied sciences. London WC2N 6EZ E-Mail: [email protected] It aims to: Tel: 020 7451 6879 Website: http://www.rsc.org ¥ strengthen UK science by providing support to Fax: 020 7839 5805 http://www.chemsoc.org excellent individuals E-mail: [email protected] ¥ fund excellent research to push back the frontiers Website: www.theRSA.org The Royal Society of Chemistry is a learned, of knowledge professional and scientific body of over 46,000 The RSA’s Forum for Technology, Citizens and the ¥ attract and retain the best scientists members with a duty under its Royal Charter ¥ ensure the UK engages with the best science around Market – a group of science-based companies and the world their principal stakeholders – aims to promote “to serve the public interest”. It is active in the ¥ support science communication and education; and the flow of new technologies into society by areas of education and qualifications, science communicate and encourage dialogue with the public enabling companies to sharpen their policy, publishing, Europe, information and ¥ provide the best independent advice nationally and understanding of public concerns around new internet services, media relations, public science and engage with these concerns early on internationally understanding of science, advice and assistance ¥ promote scholarship and encourage research into the as part of their routine product development history of science process. to Parliament and Government.
58 Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 4 Autumn 2005 The Royal The Science Statistical Council Society Contact: Dr Sarah Ball, Chief Executive Officer Contact: Mr Andrew Garratt The Science Council Contact: Nicolas Heslop Press and Public Affairs Officer 210 Euston Road, London NW1 2BE Public Affairs Manager The Royal Statistical Society Tel 020 7611 8754 Fax 020 7611 8743 SEMTA, 22 Old Queen Street, 12 Errol Sreet, London EC1Y 8LX. E-mail: [email protected] London SW1H 9HP Tel: +44 20 7614 3920 Website: www.sciencecouncil.org Tel: 020 7222 0464 Fax: 020 7222 3004 E-Mail: [email protected] Fax: +44 20 7614 3905 The Science Council has a membership of over Website: www.semta.org.uk E-mail: [email protected] 25 professional institutions and learned Website: www.rss.org.uk societies covering the breadth of science and SEMTA (Science, Engineering and Manufacturing The RSS is much more than just a learned society. mathematics. Its purpose is to provide an Technologies Alliance) is the Sector Skills Council for the independent collective voice for science and science, engineering and manufacturing technology sectors. We lead the way as an independent source of advice scientists and to maintain standards across all on statistical issues and play a crucial role in raising Our Mission is ‘to ensure that our sector has the knowledge scientific disciplines. We are active in science and skills required to meet the challenges faced by the the profile of statistics, through our links with policy issues including science in education, workforce of the future.’ government, academia and the corporate and health, society and sustainability. In 2003 the Our sectors account for a significant proportion of the UK voluntary sectors. We have a powerful voice at Science Council was granted its Royal Charter and in 2004 it launched the Chartered Scientist economy. There are about two million people employed in Royal Commissions, Parliamentary Select (CSci) designation as a measure of high about 100,000 establishments in the core Science, Committees and at public consultations, offering standards in the practice, application, Engineering and Technology sectors, currently contributes our own unique view on just about anything, from advancement and teaching of science. We now over £74 billion per annum – about ten per cent – of total freedom of information to sustainable development. have over 10,000 Chartered Scientists. UK GDP.
Society of University of Chemical Surrey Contact: Dr Faye Jones, Industry Public Affairs Administrator Contact: Katy Leivers Marlborough House, Basingstoke Road, Contact: Mr Richard Denyer, University of Surrey, Guildford, Spencers Wood, Reading RG7 1AG. General Secretary and Chief Executive Surrey, GU2 7XH Tel: 0118 988 1843 Fax: 0118 988 5656 SCI, International Headquarters Tel: 01483 683937 E-mail: [email protected] 14-15 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8PS Fax: 01483 683948 Website: http//www.sgm.ac.uk Tel: 020 7598 1500 Fax: 020 7598 1545 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] SGM is the largest microbiological society in Website: http://www.surrey.ac.uk/ Website: www.soci.org Europe. The Society publishes four journals of The University of Surrey is one of the UK’s leading international standing, and organises regular SCI is an interdisciplinary network for science, professional, scientific and technological universities scientific meetings. commerce and industry. SCI attracts forward- looking people in process and materials with a world class research profile and a reputation SGM also promotes education and careers in technologies and in the biotechnology, energy, for excellence in teaching and learning. Ground- microbiology, and it is committed to represent water, agriculture, food, pharmaceuticals, breaking research at the University is bringing direct microbiology to government, the media and the construction, and environmental protection sectors benefit to all spheres of life - helping industry to public. worldwide. Members exchange ideas and gain maintain its competitive edge and creating new perspectives on markets, technologies, An information service on microbiological issues improvements in the areas of health, medicine, space strategies and people, through electronic and science, the environment, communications, ion concerning aspects of medicine, agriculture, physical specialist conferences and debates, and food safety, biotechnology and the environment publish journals, books and the respected beam and optoelectronics technology, visual multi is available on request. magazine Chemistry & Industry. media, defence and social policy.
Universities Federation for Animal Welfare
Contact: Dr James Kirkwood, Scientific Director The Old School, Brewhouse Hill Wheathampstead, Herts. AL4 8AN. Tel: 01582 831818. Fax: 01582 831414. Email: [email protected] Website: www.ufaw.org.uk Registered Charity No: 207996 UFAW is an internationally-recognized independent scientific and educational animal welfare charity. It works to improve animal lives by: • supporting animal welfare research. • educating and raising awareness of welfare issues in the UK and overseas. •producing the leading journal Animal Welfare and other high-quality publications on animal care and welfare. •providing expert advice to government departments and other concerned bodies.
Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 4 Autumn 2005 59 Thursday 1 December 19.00 Tuesday 6 December 18.30 Science and learning in Islam –a Prize lecture – Rosalind Franklin lecture Science shared legacy The quandary of the quark Dr Reefat Drabu, Prof Azim Nanji and Professor Christine Davies Baroness Susan Greenfield Diary Thursday 8 December 18.30 Thursday 8 December 19.00 Prize lecture – Francis Crick lecture Making sense of our world Lecture title to be confirmed The Parliamentary and David Brown and Dr Mark Lythgoe Professor Daniel Wolpert Scientific Committee Contact: Annabel Lloyd Monday 26 December – Friday 30 Monday 15 to Tuesday 16 January 020 7222 7085 December Discussion meeting www.scienceinparliament.org.uk Royal Institution Christmas Lectures: Physics, chemistry and astronomy of + Food matters H3 Wednesday 26 October 17.30 Prof Sir John Krebs From the Green to the Gene Monday 26 December 19.00 Monday 13 to Tuesday 14 February Revolution: a 21st century challenge The gourmet ape Discussion meeting Speaker: Dr Norman E Borlaug Tuesday 27 December 19.00 Conditions for the emergence of life Yuck or yummy? on the early Earth Monday 14 November 17.30 Wednesday 28 December 19.00 Risk Management You are what you eat Speakers: Professor Sir Colin L Berry, Thursday 29 December 19.00 The Royal Academy of Professor Susan Owens and Professor When food goes wrong Engineering Ragnar Lofstedt Friday 30 December 19.00 29 Great Peter Street, Food for the future London SW1P 3LW. Tuesday 29 November For further information visit Visit to NPL www.raeng.org.uk/events or contact The Royal Society [email protected] 6-9 Carlton House Terrace Monday 12 December 17.30 London SW1Y 5AG Tuesday 1 November 18.00 The Importance of Science, All events are free, though pre- UK Focus for Biomedical Engineering Engineering and Technology to a registration is required for the two-day Annual Lecture Sustainable Economy on the African conferences. Events are held at the Innovation in Medical Technology – Continent Royal Society unless otherwise stated. Global Reality and UK Promise Speakers: Sir Crispin Tickell, Professor For further information visit Frank R Rijsberman, Professor Richard www.royalsoc.ac.uk/events; email Wednesday 9 November 09.30 Carter and Professor Sir Gordon [email protected] or call Radical Innovation in Advanced Conway. 020 7451 2518/2683. Nanomaterials
Monday 23 January 17.30 Wednesday 26 to Thursday 27 October Wednesday 9 November 13.30 Hospitals of the Future Discussion meeting Energy Seminar Series Speakers to be confirmed Extreme natural hazards Security of Energy Supply
Thursday 27 October 18.30 Wednesday 9 November 18.00 The Royal Institution Prize lecture – Clifford Paterson Lecture Mobile Communications Lecture Series The Royal Institution Optical science in the fast lane Innovations for the 21 Albemarle Street, London W1S 4BS Professor Wilson Sibbett CBE FRS Commercialisation of CDMA for For further information visit Wireless Communications and www.rigb.org or Thursday 10 November 18.30 Future Directions telephone 020 7409 2992 Public lecture – 11th Hartley Lecture Measuring our future: the role of Monday 12 December 18.30 Events held at the Royal Institution sustainability metrics Annual Hinton Lecture Wednesday 2 November 19.00 Professor Richard Darton Guest Speaker: Lord Browne Your brain: the final frontier? Prof David Nutt and Prof Nikolas Rose Monday 14 to Tuesday 15 November Discussion meeting The Royal Society of Wednesday 16 November 19.00 Quantum catalysis in enzymes – Edinburgh Stroke – a demographic time-bomb beyond the transition state theory 22-26 George Street, Prof Peter Rothwell and Prof Charles paradigm Edinburgh EH2 2PQ. Wolfe Tel: 0131 240 5000 Wednesday 23 November 18.30 Fax: 0131 240 5024 Public lecture [email protected] Wednesday 23 November 19.00 Einstein vs. Newton debate www.royalsoced.org.uk Live or die: the secret is in our genes Chaired by Professor Lisa Jardine All events require registration and take Prof Adi Kimchi and Iain McNeish place at the RSE. Wednesday 30 November 19.00 Monday 5 to Tuesday 6 December The future of surgery Discussion meeting Monday 7 November Dr Richard Ashcroft, Prof Sir Ara Darzi New directions in liquid crystal Composite Individuality: A Gaian View and Prof Brian Davies science Dr Lynn Margulis
60 Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 4 Autumn 2005 Thursday 1 December Royal Pharmaceutical Discussion Forum Society Earth, Wind, Fire and Water: Contact: Judith Callanan Tsunami 020 7572 2261 Monday 19 December [email protected] Edinburgh Lecture Inside Surgery from Without: Monday 28 to Wednesday 30 November Therapeutic Interventions from Tableting technology for the Images pharmaceutical industry Sir Alfred Cuschieri FRSE De Vere University Arms Hotel, Cambridge Monday 23 January Officers of the Parliamentary Discussion Forum Tuesday 7 February & Scientific Committee Science Meets Religion Challenges in small scale Professor Simon Conway-Morris and manufacturing Professor Wentzel van Huysteen President: The Lord Soulsby of at AstraZeneca R & D, Charnwood, Swaffham Prior Monday 6 February Loughborough Chairman: Dr Douglas Naysmith MP Royal Pharmaceutical Society and The Gannochy Trust Innovation Award Deputy Chairmen: Dr Desmond Turner MP Prize Lecture Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences Mr Robert Key MP Monday 13 to Wednesday 15 February Hon Treasurer: Dr Brian Iddon MP SCI Stability Testing of Pharmaceuticals Hon Secretaries: Dr Evan Harris MP 14/15 Belgrave Square The Moller Centre, Cambridge Mr James Paice MP London SW1X 8PS Pharmaceutical Society, London Contact: [email protected] or Vice-Presidents: Dr Ian Gibson MP 020 7598 1562 Events at SCI unless otherwise stated The Rt Hon Lord Institution of Mechanical Jenkin of Roding Tuesday 8 November Engineers Professor Alan Malcolm PET in Neurology: Clinical Research Dr Richard Worswick and Drug Development Tuesday 1 November Materials for a Greener Environment Ms Sandra Gidley MP Tuesday 29 to Wednesday 30 November – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Mr Stephen Cox CVO Plants as Factories for Bioactive Recovery Mr Peter Raymond MBE Compounds Contact Georgina Shaw 020 7973 1291; Professor Jane Plant CBE [email protected] Friday 2 December Advisory Panel: Dr David Dent Frontiers of Research at the Polymer Professor Peter Saunders Chemistry-Organic Chemistry Friday 4 November Interface Sustainability for Engineering Professor Julia King CBE Contact Madeline Willis 020 7973 FREng Wednesday 22 February 1260; [email protected] Secretariat: Professor Peter Simpson Omega 3 – on the brain – the impact Mrs Annabel Lloyd of nutrition on human behaviour Tuesday 29 November Fuel Cells – Industrial Application Tuesday 28 February to Wednesday 1 and Modelling Science in Parliament March Contact Victoria Gatt 020 7973 1316; 3 Birdcage Walk, London SW1H 9JJ Chemistry for Non Chemists [email protected] Tel: 020 7222 7085 Fax: 020 7222 7189 Editor: Professor Peter Simpson Editorial Assistant: Mrs Annabel Lloyd
Editorial/Management Board: Dr Douglas Naysmith MP (Chairman) SCIENCE IN PARLIAMENT Mr Robert Freer Published by the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee, 3 Birdcage Walk, London SW1H 9JJ. Dr Brian Iddon MP Published four times a year. The 2005 subscription rate is £65.00. Single numbers £16.25 Dr Ashok Kumar MP ISSN 0263-6271 Professor Alan Malcolm All enquiries, including those from members wishing to take the front or back covers, advertise in the Mr Andrew Miller MP journal or appear in the directory to Mrs Annabel Lloyd, Tel 020 7222 7085 The Lord Soulsby of Swaffham Prior Copyright ©2005 by Parliamentary and Scientific Committee. All rights reserved. None of the articles in this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying recording or otherwise without the prior written permission of the copyright owner. Typeset and printed by APR Print and Design Ltd
Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 4 Autumn2005 61 THE NOVARTIS AND THE DAILY TELEGRAPH VISIONS OF SCIENCE PHOTOGRAPHIC AWARDS
Salt and pepper by David McCarthy – Close-up - winner Liquid crystals by Karen Neill – Close-up – highly commended This image of a whole peppercorn with a grain of sea salt offers a The orientation of molecules within a liquid crystal can be seen by close-up glimpse of the structure of simple everyday products we use viewing the crystals using polarised light. Regions that have the on our food. same colour have the same orientation of their constituent molecules.
Migraine attack by Debbie Ayles – Science meets Art - winner Shrimp cleaning the teeth of a lizard fish by Jim Greenfield Migraine attacks can cause a variety of visual symptoms (aura) as Action - winner well as the notorious stabbing head pain. This is a representation of This tiny shrimp fearlessly enters the mouth of a fish to clean its a barn seen during an attack, painted by an artist and migraine teeth. Fish value this service as the shrimp removes and eats sufferer. Visual symptoms often include flattening and overlaying of harmful parasites. The shrimp lives in the sea anemone in the images, pulsating kaleidoscopic colours and sparkling white "stars". background. Fish recognise the anemone as a cleaning station, and when they need a clean they approach it and open their mouths, encouraging the shrimp in.