Summer 2006 SCIENCE IN PARLIAMENT

Low Carbon Power with Carbon Capture and Sequestration

Sustainable Energy Expert Witnesses

The Journal of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee http://www.scienceinparliament.org.uk 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.

The University of Sussex has decided to maintain its Chemistry Department, albeit with an emphasis on “biological chemistry”. At Exeter, another Vice-Chancellor Smith has announced that, although a decision to close Contents the Chemistry Department and downsize Summer 2006 Volume 63 Number 3 RAE 4-rated departments will cost money in the short term, the long-term prospects for Energy Policy 1 the university are looking better as a result. Opinion by Dr Bob Spink MP But, what about the country? Speculation that the Climate change in earth history 2 last RAE was just Opinion by Baroness Greenfield 3 that has proved A Mission for Innovation 4 wrong. About a third of Vice- Jonathan Kestenbaum, Nesta Chancellors would The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory 6 welcome a new Dr Frances Saunders approach; the rest The Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution 8 feel that they have invested too much John Lawton, Susan Owens and Tom Eddy already in preparing Parallel Medicines Distribution 10 for the 2008 RAE. Richard Freudenberg, BAEPD “Metrics” is the new fashion but clearly more Breeding and Welfare in Companion Animals 12 work needs to be done to convince the academic community to invest in this new Roger Gale MP and Lord Soulsby of Swaffham Prior methodology. Low Carbon Power with Carbon Capture and Sequestration 14 The Government’s Chief Scientific Adviser, Lewis Gillies, Director, Hydrogen Power, BP Alternative Energy Sir David King, has never been afraid of Britain’s Younger Researchers – taking real science to Parliament 16 expressing his views. On climate change he Eric Wharton, SET for BRITAIN has expressed the view that it is “more serious even than the threat of terrorism”. In Our Energy Futures for Secure and Sustainable Power 18 this edition of Science in Parliament Robert Addresses to the P&SC by Dr J M Farley, Allan Jones and Michael Connarty MP Freer reviews a House of Lords report The Importance of Clean Coal Technology 24 entitled “Economics of Climate Change”, Anthony Darbyshire, The Comino Foundation which challenges some conventional views. Sir David has now waded into the debate on Science in Court: Expert Witnesses in the Dock 26 “mind bending” drugs. He predicts that Addresses to the P&SC by Baroness Kennedy, James Badenoch smart drugs that affect people’s performance and Professor Robert Forrest will be commonplace within 20 years. A new UK-China Partners in Science 33 generation of “recreational psychoactive substances” could be given to healthy people David Concar, British Embassy Beijing to enhance their lives. His new report Chernobyl – Catastrophe and Consequences 34 certainly challenges conventional thinking, Book Review by Sir Ian Lloyd and will make the Government nervous. What is the cost of Climate Change? 35 The House of Commons Science & Robert Freer Technology Select Committee has just announced an inquiry into the use of science House of Commons Select Committee on Science and Technology 37 to enhance human performance, particularly House of Lords Science and Technology Select Committee 38 in sport. PPARC and CCLRC have decided to endorse Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology 39 the formation of a Large Facilities Council Debates and Selected Parliamentary Questions and Answers 41 providing that PPARC’s grant-awarding Digest of Parliamentary Debates, Questions and Answers 47 powers are transferred to the LFC and not to the EPSRC, a proposal that is meeting with Euro-News 52 some resistance within the research European Union Digest 53 community. Science Directory 55 Dr Brian Iddon MP Science Diary 64 Chairman, Editorial Board Science in Parliament ISSN 0263-6271 OPINION Energy Policy Dr Bob Spink MP

nergy policy is a hot topic. On safe, flexible and politically one hand, there is concern acceptable solutions need to be Eover the threats to energy found for radioactive waste security posed by our growing management, modern reactors reliance on gas imported from would produce far less waste than politically unstable parts of the our current fleet. world. On the other, science is Investment in nuclear fission needs painting an ever-bleaker picture of to be accompanied by investment in promote and invest in large scale the likely consequences of CO2- new technologies. Nuclear fusion, demonstration CCS projects. fuelled global climate change. for example, could revolutionise The House of Commons Science Add to these the fast rising cost of energy production by providing a and Technology Committee, of energy to industry and the clean, safe and sustainable means of which I am a Member, published a consumer, particularly to less well generating energy. It is uncertain report on carbon capture and off people who are forced to pay an when or if fusion will deliver on its storage technology (CCS) in unsustainable proportion of their promises, but the prize on offer is February this year. We concluded income on essential energy, and it is too significant to be ignored and, that not only could CCS play a key easy to see why many believe the now that the site of ITER has finally role in the UK’s energy portfolio in problem is fast becoming a crisis. been decided, the UK needs to years to come, it could also provide Against this background, the work with its international partners a much needed tool for curbing the Government’s wholesale review of to get the project off the ground. massive growth in CO2 emissions energy policy seems eminently CCS is another exciting technology. expected from new coal-fired plant sensible. However, the challenges It involves the capture of CO2 in India and China. This is crucial addressed in the current Energy produced during industrial to our planet since the growth in Review are the same as those of the processes and its long term storage, emissions from China alone over 2003 Energy White Paper, only possibly by injection into the next twenty years is forecast to infused with a greater sense of underground reservoirs, thus match that in the entire urgency. The truncated time allowed preventing the CO2 from entering industrialised world. CCS could for the review has also fuelled the atmosphere. It is argued that also help to safeguard security of accusations that the Government CCS technology will divert attention supply by allowing the UK to launched the review with a clear from developing renewable sources continue using a greater diversity of idea of what it wanted the outcome of energy and encourage continued fuels sourced from a variety of to be. After all, it wouldn’t be the dependence on fossil fuels. Clearly countries, and cost would be first time that the Government has the ability to harness solar and tidal mitigated by enhanced oil recovery dressed up a process of ratification power on a large scale would be from reservoirs. as a consultation. invaluable and the Government Setting aside for a moment the The Prime Minister now confirms must continue to invest in such health of the planet and UK these suspicions by strongly research. Also promoting energy economic opportunity from selling indicating that the review must efficiency and conservation are vital CCS technology, we are a relatively herald a new cycle of investment in first steps, not afterthoughts. But we industrialised nation and have a nuclear power. It is clearly need to accept that we are not yet clear moral duty to show leadership unhelpful of the PM to undermine ready to wean ourselves off fossil to developing economies. the review by pre-judging its fuels and, that being the case, CCS The Government urgently needs to conclusions. But that said, he is could be a crucial bridging put in place a market-based and right that nuclear has to form a key technology. technology neutral framework plank of the UK’s energy policy. It is worth noting as well that the focused on reducing CO2 emissions Without new nuclear build, it is first UK fossil fuel plant fitted with in order to pull through the inconceivable that we will be able to CCS could be generating low- development of innovative solutions meet our CO2 emissions targets and carbon electricity by the end of the to meet the UK’s energy needs. The safeguard our security of supply. In decade, with a single plant giving Energy Review provides the perfect any case, many of the old objections reductions in CO2 emissions of the opportunity for the Government to to nuclear power have been eroded same scale as all the current UK achieve this as part of the long-term by safety and efficiency onshore wind farms put together. strategic vision that has been improvements with new reactor The Government should move seriously lacking from its energy technology. Although it is true that quickly to amend regulations and policy thus far.

Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 1 Climate change in earth history: policy implications

Deep time context the several hundred billions of tons Policy implications As we wait to see how climate will of carbon transferred from terrestrial What are the policy implications? It evolve over the next century, we may reservoirs to the atmosphere, over an is clear to us that: increasingly draw lessons from the exceptionally short time: less than 200 years. This release is Further research into these and related climate of Earth’s deep past. Thus, phenomena are imperative, not to human civilization has been allowed unprecedented in the context of establish their reality (which are to develop to its present extent recent earth history, not least because because the last ten thousand years – it is happening during a warm phase beyond reasonable doubt), but to when set against the context of the of the current Ice Age. constrain further the exact last million years – have seen unusual mechanisms involved and their Fossilized global warming timing. stability of climate and sea level. events That situation looks set to change. The clear dangers of global warming are Recent research has shown, though, not currently being matched by adequate It is beyond doubt that earth’s climate that there have been precedents for over the last few million years has such carbon releases farther back in funding of either mitigation or been controlled by variations in the earth history. The two best-known adaptation strategies, nor by overall earth’s spin around its own axis and episodes occurred some 55 and 180 economic strategy. For instance, orbit around the sun, operating on million years ago respectively, when funding for carbon sequestration is cycles tens of thousands of years carbon transfers on a similar scale counted in terms of millions of long. It is also clear that the climate pounds, while funding for (say) changes have not smoothly followed (probably derived from the decomposition of methane hydrates identity cards or health service these cycles, but have shown abrupt computer systems is counted in (decade-scale) flips from one climate stored in ocean sediments) were state to the other, and that these have associated with geologically rapid billions. This is not to decry the been associated with changes in global temperature rises of between 5 latter, but simply to provide some atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide and 8 degrees centigrade, that comparison of perceived relative and methane, as recorded in air persisted for the order of 100,000 importance. Similarly, the continued fossilized within the icecaps of years. lack of fiscal constraints on aviation Greenland and Antarctica. The Such temperature increases, if sends a strong message to the public situation is further complicated by repeated in the near future, would that economic growth and cheap air shorter-term (millennial-scale) almost certainly lead to melting of a transport are more important than climate variations, the causes of substantial part of the global icecaps, reducing the carbon dioxide which remain poorly understood. and the subsequent sea level changes emissions from this source. of tens of metres, in removing a large We note the mismatch between the The human effect fraction of the earth’s arable land, rigour of the current health and The contribution of humanity since would render unsustainable earth’s safety regulations that increasingly the Industrial Revolution has been to current global population, let alone cause the largest single and most the extra 2-4 billion people predicted govern our lives (even where minimal abrupt perturbation to these global for the coming century. Research risk is involved) and the apparent geological cycles for several million published this year has confirmed negligence of the health and safety of years. The scale of this change has that the Greenland and Antarctica our children and grandchildren, led some scientists to suggest, with icecaps are showing considerable given the probability that the lives of all seriousness, that we have entered overall ice loss – measured in many will be curtailed by lack of a new geological epoch, christened hundreds of cubic kilometres nourishment, living space or civil the Anthropocene. annually. There is now serious order, brought on by climate change. Of all of these man-made changes, concern that such ice loss might We urge consideration of, and action the most far-reaching is likely to be accelerate markedly in the future1. on, these matters.

The Stratigraphy Commission of the Geological Society of London Dr Jan Zalasiewicz (Chair: University of Leicester), Dr Alan Smith (University of Cambridge), Dr Colin Waters (Secretary: British Geological Survey), Dr F John Gregory (Publications Secretary; Natural History Museum), Dr Tiffany L Barry (Open University), Dr Paul R Bown (University College London), Professor Patrick Brenchley (University of Liverpool), Dr Angela L Coe (Open University), Professor John CW Cope, Dr Robert Knox (British Geological Survey), Professor Andrew Gale (University of Greenwich), Professor Philip Gibbard (University of Cambridge), Dr Mark Hounslow (University of Lancaster), Dr John Marshall (University of Southampton), Dr John Powell (British Geological Survey), Dr Michael Oates (British Gas), Dr Philip Stone (British Geological Survey), Professor Peter Rawson (University College London), Dr Nigel Trewin (University of Aberdeen), Dr Mark Williams (University of Portsmouth).

1 The March 24th 2006 issue of Science includes several remarkable articles detailing the history and current health of the world’s icecaps.

2 Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 OPINION Baroness Greenfield Director, The Royal Institution

echnology has been having a technologies are rarely considered profound and widespread before the technology is adopted or Timpact upon the very nature comes into being. of society for a long time. Fifty years The arguments made for the ago videotapes, bar codes and oral introduction for the majority of contraceptives were invented, one technologies are convincing and I hundred years ago Marconi sent the am passionate about innovation and first radio message and a hundred creativity in learning, but with the Willis MP and I, will set up an all years before that the steam opportunities and promise there are party group on scientific research in locomotive, tin cans and the first potential drawbacks which are not learning and education. In electric lamp (the arc lamp, always fully considered nor particular, we will consider how a invented by Humphry Davy, a necessarily immediately apparent. scientific evidence-base may be predecessor of mine at the Royal Recently, I sponsored a debate in used to help inform decision Institution) were introduced. We the House of Lords on this issue making and policy in learning and can go back almost a millennium which received some media education, and in this period of and find the introduction of coverage (http://www.futuremind evolution and revolution for technologies such as paper money, .ox.ac.uk/sub_site/news.php) which education, to help ensure that the compass, gunpowder and in turn prompted numerous navigation of our chosen path draws windmills, not to mention buttons. teachers and parents to get in touch at all times from thoughtful use of Today, the rate of introduction of with me, sharing their concerns on innovative technologies and the best technologies is ever increasing and this issue. of twenty-first century teaching. changing the way that we work, There is doubt amongst the minds No previous generation of educators play and live our lives. This is no of many that while computers and have had as much knowledge at more evident than in learning and associated technologies increase the their fingertips as to how the brain education. Technology had a limited motivation of students, do they works as we have. It therefore falls impact within education for many really improve the learning to us to consider how we meet the years but more recently the changes outcomes? Of course, another level needs of children and, using that have started to come thick and fast. of complexity is added when we knowledge, to make sure that we As Ken Boston, Chief Executive of start to think about what we will can teach in a way that will enable the Qualifications and Curriculum want those learning outcomes to be. every child to reach his or her Authority, said last year “The Twenty-first century technology potential. Today, young minds are availability of the internet is a should be helping to deliver twenty- developing under influences of powerful aid to learning but carries first century learning. An unparalleled magnitude such as the a new generation of risks of understanding of the underlying use of prescribed and proscribed plagiarism” and his admission that processes in the brain that drugs, information technology and downloading essays from the contribute to learning can not the devices it enables, the prospect internet “could not be controlled” answer questions about what the of direct brain-computer interfacing, raises some serious issues. future of learning should look like, and changes in nutrition. I have no doubt that these issues but it can certainly inform what it Now is the time to consider how we will be dealt with effectively: but could look like. might harness the opportunities what gives me wider cause for In the Autumn, a number of created by new technologies to concern is that the risks associated parliamentary colleagues, including maximise the potential of each with the introduction of any Baroness Morris of Yardley and individual whilst managing the risks technologies, particularly in Baroness Shephard of Northwold, and safeguarding our young people information and communications Baroness Williams of Crosby, Phil against harm.

With thanks to Dr Martin Westwell at the Institute for the Future of the Mind (www.futuremind.ox.ac.uk)

Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 3 A Mission for Innovation – Fostering science enquiry learning across the UK

Jonathan Kestenbaum Chief Executive, National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts (Nesta).

hankfully, Sussex University’s applicable to chemistry, but found entire innovation landscape to chemistry department has across all the sciences, and it is a improve entrepreneurship and Tnow been saved from closure, worrying trend. Our scientific creativity, and undertake research but this long-running saga saw a research base and public scientific aimed at influencing key policy- number of rationales put forward literacy depend on a strong makers. It was under this policy for its potential demise: a lack of foundation at school level, yet and research remit that we recently funding from central government; a increasingly this foundation appears produced a wide-ranging study lack of will from the university to be slipping. We have already focusing on how the manner in itself; and, most notably, a lack of seen our manufacturing base which children are taught science students. Despite figures suggesting usurped by the economies of India affects their learning. It concluded that chemistry applications to the and China, and, as a nation, we that pupils are losing interest in university had actually risen over must guard against the very real science because too often the the previous two years, there is little possibility that our science and subject is being taught as just facts doubt that the problem was technology-based markets could on a board, rather than being informed by the more general lack soon suffer the same fate. There is shown as both relevant to daily life of interest our school leavers have no shortage of motivated, dynamic and a glorious exploration of the in taking degrees in this subject. young undergraduates pouring into unknown through practical Indeed, the parliamentary Indian and Chinese universities and experimentation. Conducting committee which looked into the then emerging to transform the practical science experiments, Sussex affair made one particularly innovation capabilities of those which may be termed as science apposite point in amongst its countries. Yet here in the UK, enquiry learning, is an engaging conclusions, namely that the where our innovation potential is manner of education which involves declining interest in chemistry vast yet still relatively untapped, the and motivates learners, and, most amongst the young was “without numbers appear to be drying up. importantly, encourages school doubt a national concern”. In an At Nesta, the National Endowment children to consider taking this international economy, where a for Science, Technology and the interest on to undergraduate level. nation’s capacity for innovation, Arts, our aim is to transform the Regretfully, however, it is no longer science and technology is UK’s capacity for innovation in the the norm in our schools because of increasingly key to its ability to firm belief that this leads to long the constraints faced by teachers. compete, we should all be term social and economic benefits. Put another way, lessons are now concerned that school pupils no With endowed finance of £300m, too much based around books and longer wish to study chemistry at we are the largest single source of not enough around Bunsen burners. undergraduate level. pre-revenue investment in the UK. So why, specifically, is it that a This disinterest is, sadly, not merely We also invest in projects across the reliance on the more “traditional”

4 Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 forms of science teaching still seem of science enquiry, but rather that Scandinavian countries and the US to prevail? Alongside the research, they believe that the curriculum in terms of the exposure to business a Nesta-commissioned ICM poll and, more presciently, health and culture we offer our aspiring found that science teachers had safety legislation, inhibits them from undergraduate scientists and little doubt about the value of allowing children to undertake technicians. During a recent trip to science enquiry learning, but that practical learning. Again, it must be both these regions, I was able to see many still had misgivings about the remit of those in government to at first hand how business and allowing pupils the chance to assuage the anxiety of teachers and academia are integrated to a far undertake practical experiments. quash the unfounded fears of greater degree than is found in the The poll, answered by 500 litigation attached to science UK. Nokia’s acceptance of science secondary school teachers across the enquiry learning. Teachers students into its company for large UK, found that 84% considered themselves, where successful periods of their degrees incubates science enquiry learning to be very outcomes are derived from business acumen within them. important – with 87% agreeing that particular models, must attempt to Similarly, the establishment of new it can have a significant impact on form knowledge-sharing networks science degree masters courses pupils’ performance – but that 64% with other schools and professional incorporating elements of business found themselves curtailed by a lack bodies. They must further seek to learning in over 50 US universities of time and resources. An install the key elements of effective is similarly typical of the American astonishing 87% also said that they practice in science enquiry learning, acceptance that scientific and had at least once prevented their such as dedicated project managers, business creativity are not students from undertaking practical making links to topics beyond the diametrically opposed opposites. work because they believed current traditional science curriculum and Too often in the UK the health and safety regulations securing the commitment of senior misconception prevails that science prohibit them from doing so. A management within schools. This and business leaders do not share recent survey commissioned by the can, of course, only be achieved the same characteristics. Yet a zeal Royal Society of Chemistry has through the assistance of funding for creativity and the capacity for echoed these findings. and support organisations, such as subversive thought when So how can this apathy towards the Nesta, who must seek to enhance confronted with seemingly sciences be dealt with before the this transfer of professional implacable norms are attributes economic consequences impact on knowledge of innovations in science shared by those who prosper in the UK in ten or twenty years’ time? education, and ensure that such both these fields. At national policy level there needs schemes have their outcomes and It is time for politicians of all parties to be greater recognition of the impacts properly evaluated. to recognise that the UK simply consequences outlined above: that if Inevitably, the sustainability of cannot afford to maintain a culture today’s children lose out on the innovative projects must be insured of apathy towards science and opportunity to engage with science through improved funding. So far, technology. The present in an illuminating manner, then Nesta’s investment has been government has improved the UK’s tomorrow’s society will suffer as a significant: over £1.6 million for focus in this area as well as boosting result of the UK’s stuttering projects promoting science in public funding; similarly I was scientific public literacy and stunted schools in addition to £3.5 million pleased to note the recent capacity for research. The current for schemes supporting the public establishment of the Conservatives’ National Curriculum is not so appreciation of science. Science, Technology, Engineering inflexible that there exists no While it is imperative that science and Mathematics Taskforce. The opportunity for science enquiry enquiry learning is given far greater landscape for innovation in the UK, learning within it, and, at prominence in our classrooms and however, will only be revamped if a government level, more must be school laboratories, there is, of more general consensus can be done to encourage schools and course, much still to be done at the formed across the entire political teachers to exercise this leeway to other end of the university spectrum. All political parties must provide innovative methods of spectrum. As chief executive of work towards a national mission for teaching. Scientific literacy needs to Nesta, I will continue to champion science to ensure creative take its place alongside general the case for business learning and innovation is stimulated instead of literacy and numeracy as a major the creation of networks between stifled. If they do not, the result part of the agenda to raise standards companies, students and will be not just the closure of in our schools. universities, however sterile this university science departments Yet, as noted above, it is unfair to debate may have become over across the country, but the suggest that it is teachers themselves recent months. We still lag strangulation of the UK economy who are unaware of the importance considerably behind the for decades to come.

Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 5 The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory

Dr Frances Saunders Acting Chief Executive, Dstl

Introduction asymmetric threat as well as support The Defence Science and the fight against global terrorism. Technology Laboratory (Dstl) is an These changes, in turn, demand a integral part of the Ministry of more immediate and responsive this type of systems work might be Defence (MOD) and was created in pull-through of science and the tasking of Dstl to undertake a 2001 to be the trusted in-house engineering, and a greater requirements definition study for a adviser on defence-related science engagement in and support for front particular capability programme. In and technology. Dstl employs some line operations. such a study, Dstl would analyse 3000 scientists and engineers and In order to ensure that Dstl current assumptions and investigate currently stands at number 76 in the responds effectively to these the validity of these assumptions Times Top 100 of graduate changes, it offers a range of products against criteria such as value for employers. Committed to the and services to its users. These fall money. highest standards and scientific into two broad categories. Dstl’s Dstl’s advice on innovative capability excellence, Dstl offers its staff a Systems work develops and assesses and systems concepts addresses the comprehensive programme of new operational and equipment creation of new options, at defence continuing professional concepts as well as providing the capability or systems level and development and is well known in evidence base for major decisions. above, to tackle an existing or the wider community for promoting Dstl’s work in the science and emerging capability gap. Dstl has both science and scientific careers. technology area is concerned with unique access to a range of Dstl’s remit is to create the winning delivering practical solutions to stakeholders, nationally and edge for UK Forces and government defence and security related internationally, including through the best use of science and problems in areas of particular government, military, industry and technology. In so doing, Dstl’s national and international sensitivity. academia. As a result, it is well expertise is used to undertake work It also underpins delivery of a range placed to offer integrated advice that must be done in government of S&T related strategic services. across the full spectrum of and does not undertake those things capabilities. The deliverables are that can sensibly be sourced from More about Systems work typically a new, characterised industry or academia. Dstl’s key Systems engineering, or systems concept for the customer to consider strength is its breadth of thinking, means many things to or some additional knowledge and understanding of science and many people. In Dstl we describe understanding about existing technology coupled with a clear Systems work as “bringing together options that advance the state of the comprehension of the defence user the physical, the human and the possible. This work will usually context. This enables Dstl to bring conceptual elements necessary to require strong engagement with together solutions to the really achieve the best effect in the industry to cover elements such as difficult and high impact problems operational context”. This work can concept development, systems that really address the user’s needs. be separated into two main areas, engineering/integration, Dstl continues to evolve to reflect decision support and advice on manufacturability, maintainability, the changing nature of warfare and innovative capability and systems usability, costs and whole life cycle the emerging concerns of its concepts. issues. customer base. This is leading to Decision support work assembles One recent example is Dstl’s support requirements for a different balance the evidence to support a key to the Future Aircraft Carrier which of skills, knowledge and techniques decision point in one of Dstl’s involved a comprehensive from that of its predecessor customer processes. This is programme of work that included organisations. Large-scale, high- primarily an analysis and synthesis analysing the policy implications of intensity conflicts planned against activity rather than a creative or the future capability, studying how long time-scales have been replaced innovative activity and includes MOD might smooth the peaks and by a wide variety of almost deliverables such as detailed reports troughs in the demands on the UK continuous, demanding operations backed up by results from numerical shipbuilding industry, assessing the typified by the recent conflicts in and operational analysis, level of technical risk in the Bosnia, Afghanistan and Iraq. The presentations to customers and programme and developing blurring of the boundary between other stakeholders in the decision, simulation software to explore defence and security is increasing and designing and running decision operational concepts and tactics for the requirement to counter the support workshops. One example of the Future Joint Combat Aircraft.

6 Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 Science and Technology development at Dstl has inevitably wider Dstl knowledge base so that When people think of science and led to civilian exploitation they can respond to urgent technology, they generally focus opportunities. In order to enable Dstl operational requirements. upon the exploitation of innovative to improve its exploitation Dstl’s Forensic Explosives Laboratory technology, be that the creation of a performance without compromising provides a unique capability to new piece of technology or the its core business for MOD, a wholly support the investigation into the exploitation of off-the-shelf owned subsidiary company, criminal misuse of explosives. technology in novel ways. Dstl is Ploughshare Innovations Ltd, was Scientists are available round the certainly involved in this aspect of created and began trading in April clock to provide front-line scientific science and technology and delivers 2005. Ploughshare acts as Dstl’s capability, technical support and not only the new technology but also technology management company expert advice to the Police Service an exploitation route that ensures the with a remit to exploit intellectual for any incident on the UK solution is available for the customer property that Dstl selects to license mainland. Frequently this involves to employ directly or to use in a to it. The company’s long term aim is attending the scene of an explosion proof of concept or risk reduction a virtuous cycle of intellectual to advise on the collection of forensic exercise to underpin procurement. property generation, exploitation and evidence, which is subsequently sent With an international track record in re-investment which delivers the best to Dstl for rigorous and detailed this area, Dstl conducts world-class return, both economically and forensic analysis. fundamental research in a number of scientifically, for MOD, Dstl and the British taxpayer. The types of forensic cases fall into a scientific disciplines. The new relatively small number of broad microbiological containment facility A number of exciting prospects for categories, including the examination at Dstl’s Porton Down site is an exploitation in the civilian market of improvised explosive devices example of global best practice and have already been identified from (IED’s) that have been rendered safe; allows our scientists to investigate Dstl’s current IP portfolio and, the assessment of finds and caches of novel medical countermeasures following agreement from MOD, are explosive materials or bomb-making against biological warfare agents. now under commercial development equipment; examination of post- Vaccines against plague and anthrax by Ploughshare through licence explosion material, explosion scenes have recently been developed at Dstl agreements and joint ventures. and debris and finally the collection and are now undergoing clinical Acolyte Biomedica Ltd, one of 6 such and analysis of explosives traces. trials through our industrial partner. joint ventures based on Dstl Sometimes, all of these various Other vaccines under development intellectual property, was formed in possibilities may be included in a include a component smallpox 2000. Its BacLite flex Rapid MRSA single investigation. Dstl is also able vaccine that is likely to have an system has recently been evaluated to examine improvised devices that equivalent protective effect with a by the London Independent Hospital use toxic chemical or biological significantly enhanced safety profile which found the system to be fast, materials. sensitive and cost effective for in man compared to the previous live The forensic facilities at Dstl are vaccine offerings. universal screening of patients to ensure that those colonised with externally accredited to the Dstl was recently commissioned to MRSA can be isolated and treated international quality standard ISO develop an alternative to the baton before putting themselves and others 17025 and were the first forensic round, a less-lethal weapon used by at risk. The BacLite system is built on laboratory in the United Kingdom to the police to control serious public 15 years of original development gain such accreditation. The Dstl order disturbances. Supported by work by Dstl scientists and is a first scientists themselves undergo a partners in academia and industry, rate example of defence technology rigorous in-house training and Dstl undertook the research and offering life-saving benefits to the development programme development of the Attenuating public at large. culminating in external accreditation Energy Projectile (AEP) round. As by the Royal Society of Chemistry the design authority for the AEP Support to Operations and Council for the Registration of projectile and cartridge, Dstl Dstl plays a vital part in supporting Forensic Practitioners (CRFP). This developed a novel projectile that has operations and our contribution to ensures that operations are a crush zone in the impact face. This both military and civil defence efforts conducted to the highest possible zone acts to reduce the peak force on is significant. Over one hundred Dstl standards and the exacting stiff structures such as the head, staff have deployed to Iraq since requirements of the Criminal Justice therefore reducing the potential for 2003, of whom over eighty have System are fully met. injury, whilst maintaining the impact qualified for the campaign medal by force on intended target areas such as spending more than a month in Working with others the abdomen. Once developed Dstl theatre. They have participated in Dstl must work closely with other undertook the full environmental both systems and science and bodies in government, industry and testing of the prototype. Having been technology work, including academia in order to ensure that authorised for deployment by the operational analysis to support the MOD has access to the very best Home Office, the AEP has been in General Officer Commanding MND science and technology. Through use in Northern Ireland and Great SE, advising on equipment our ongoing international research Britain since June 2005 as an procurement and training, chemical collaborations, Dstl is able to help alternative option to firearms against and biological detection and MOD share the burden of research individuals exhibiting or threatening inspection, and collecting data on costs between the UK and our serious violence. weapons effects and battle damage. A collaborative partners resulting in The concentration on fundamental small scientific team continues to significant financial and defence research and technology work in theatre, reaching back to the technological benefits for all parties.

Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 7 The Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution: Past, Present and Future John Lawton, Susan Owens and Tom Eddy

he Royal Commission on distributed in everyday products. implications of key policy sectors, Environmental Pollution met Throughout this time the and the philosophical Tfor the first time early in Commission’s work has influenced underpinnings for pollution control 1970, with Sir Eric (later Lord) environmental policies and and the setting of environmental Ashby in the chair. Created by institutions not only in Britain but standards. Normally, the Harold Wilson’s Government, this at a wider, European level. Many of Commission selects its own topics new body was an important part of its recommendations are embedded for investigation, though ministers the institutional response to rising in legislation, and it has influenced have directed its choice on three public and political concern about (and been influenced by) profound occasions, most recently in the environment. Its remit, defined shifts in thinking about requesting a study of bystander by its Royal Charter, was (and environmental problems and exposure to pesticides.7 remains): appropriate policy responses. “to advise on matters, both Since its inception, the Royal national and international, Commission has produced 25 main concerning the pollution of the reports and three special ones, environment; on the adequacy of covering diverse aspects of pollution research in this field; and the and the environment. Certain future possibilities of danger to reports have undoubtedly been the environment”. landmarks, though some were The Commission has always ahead of their time and the interpreted the concept of measures recommended were not “pollution” broadly, to include adopted until much later. Thirty actions or substances from any years ago, the Commission source that damage or threaten surprised the establishment by human health and the UK or global arguing that there should be no environment. major expansion of civil nuclear power unless it had been Inevitably, thirty-six years after it demonstrated “beyond reasonable The Commission is an independent, was founded, the environmental doubt” that a method existed for interdisciplinary body, supported by issues with which the Royal dealing safely with high-level a small secretariat. Commission Commission engages have changed radioactive wastes.2 In the same members (currently 14, including in focus and character, but they year, the Commission’s far-sighted the Chairman) work part time and remain as vital and as urgent as they Fifth Report3 proposed a system of are drawn from a variety of were in the 1970s. At its inception, integrated pollution control, too disciplinary backgrounds in the the primary concern of the radical for the government of the biological, physical and social Commission was with what we day but essentially what is in place sciences. Some members also have might broadly call “traditional today. At the height of the “lead in experience in sectors such as pollutants” arising from point or petrol” controversy in the mid- industry or agriculture. It is this diffuse sources. Its third report, for 1980s, a skilful report persuaded diversity of intellectual and example, focused on the then very the government to do a U-turn and professional backgrounds that has live issue of pollution in estuaries support the move to lead-free.4 led to the Commission being and coastal waters,1 and had a Some ten years later, Transport and described as a “committee of significant impact on the Control of the Environment5 was sharply critical experts” rather than an “expert Pollution Act 1974. As the grosser of the prevailing “predict and committee”. It is also one of the forms of pollution have gradually provide” philosophy, and Energy: the Commission’s great strengths, and been brought under control (with Changing Climate,6 published in has often enabled it to frame even significant improvements in the UK 2000, proposed the 60 per cent familiar issues in new and environment as a result) the reduction in CO2 emissions by 2050 challenging ways. All members emphasis of the Commission’s work that has subsequently become a goal serve in an individual capacity – the has shifted to less visible and less of UK Government policy. Other Commission is not a stakeholder tractable issues, such as global reports have dealt with specific body. Typically, Members serve for climate change and the synthetic pollution problems, emergent about six years, after appointment chemicals that are now widely technologies, the environmental under “Nolan Rules”.

8 Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 elements, and nano-particles. This is “heartland” Commission territory. Like the influential report on “genetically engineered organisms” in 1989,11 it will explore rapidly developing applications for which major potential benefits are claimed, but which might pose risks to the environment and human health. As with GMOs in the 1980s, it is a field in which there is only a rudimentary regulatory framework. The Royal Commission has an unusual remit. Its job is fundamentally different to that of a statutory agency or specialist advisory committee. It is also quite distinct from that of the Sustainable Development Commission, established in 2000, which is charged with the immediate task of The Commission works by date Government has failed to auditing government and auditing reviewing the literature, talking to respond to only two reports, the their words and deeds on those with relevant expertise and/or eighteenth (Transport and the sustainable development. The two interests, including members of the Environment, 1994), and most bodies keep in touch with each public,8 organising seminars, recently the Special Report on other’s work and when appropriate visiting relevant locations, and Aviation.10 Both deal with may co-operate. For example, they taking extensive written and oral contentious issues of the kind that have reinforced each other’s evidence. In reaching conclusions it Governments of any hue find distinctive contributions on aviation takes into account the scientific, extremely difficult to resolve. They and on energy, in the former case technological, economic, ethical and reflect a more general shift in the holding a joint press conference to social aspects of the issues under politics of the environment from the launch their individual reports. investigation, and one of its need to deal with the problems of The Royal Commission’s role is to powerful contributions over the production to the more complex contribute to policy development at past four decades has been to dilemmas involved with lifestyles a strategic level for the longer term. demonstrate how these different and consumption. To do this, it must review and dimensions interact. The Commission is currently anticipate trends, identify areas to Royal Commission reports are completing work on its Twenty- which insufficient attention is being submitted to the Queen, and then sixth report, concerned with the paid, conduct rigorous, in-depth presented to Parliament by Her urban environment, and is analyses, and develop challenging Command, published by the commencing its Twenty-seventh, on new ideas and frameworks. It must Stationery Office and made available novel and new materials. Both are go, as one commentator on Royal through booksellers. An interesting extremely timely. The Twenty-sixth Commissions put it, “where departure for the most recent main report focuses on environmental ministers and their officials might reports has been to publish a aspects of urban living: human hesitate to tread”.12 These are summary as a separate, free booklet health, urban green-space, fundamentally important tasks, and for wide distribution. As well as pollution, and resource they will remain so as we confront analysis, reports typically contain consumption (the latter including the new challenges of recommendations for action water, which is moving rapidly up environmental governance in the addressed to the UK Government the political agenda). A now twenty-first century. and/or to the devolved extensive literature on these issues administrations. The Government suggests that we could, if we were 1 Cmnd 5054, 1972 normally publishes a detailed so minded, greatly improve 2 Nuclear Power and the Environment, Cm 6618, 1976. environments within, and reduce The so-called ‘Flowers criterion’ is set out on page 81. response within a year, and 3 Air Pollution Control: An Integrated Approach, Cm Parliament is informed of the the negative impacts of, cities. But 6371, 1976. response. A debate may follow in many problems persist or even 4 Lead in the Environment, Cm 8852, 1983. 5 Cm 2674 either House. worsen. A key challenge for the 6 Cm 4749 The latest response – to the 25th9 Commission is to understand why 7 Crop Spraying and the Health of Residents and prescriptions that have so often Bystanders, RCEP, September 2005. report on the Marine Environment 8 For example, the so called ‘bystanders’ in the recent – was published in May 2006 and, been repeated are conspicuously study concerned with pesticide spraying. difficult to implement in practice. 9 Cm 6392 in a welcome development, the 10 The Environmental Effects of Civil Aircraft in Flight, Scottish Executive responded The study of novel and new 2002 separately. An important element in materials will look at industrial use 11 Cm 720 12 Cartwright, T.J. (1975) Royal Commissions and delivering the Government response of novel elements from the periodic Departmental Committees in Britain, Hodder and will be the proposed Marine Bill. To table, the novel use of more familiar Stoughton, London; page 217.

Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 9 Parallel Medicines Distribution

Richard Freudenberg, Secretary-General, British Association of European Pharmaceutical Distributors

he article on counterfeit Europe such as China, India or the Direct savings from parallel medicines by John Ferguson United States. distribution are estimated at up to from the ABPI, in the Whit Is it legal? £228 million, or 17 per cent of T 3 issue of Science in Parliament, medicines expenditure of which contained a number of alarming The UK parallel import industry has approx 60 per cent passes to inaccuracies about a so-called “link” operated legally and safely in government and taxpayers and the between parallel medicines Europe for more than thirty years. balance to independent pharmacies. It is actively encouraged through distribution and counterfeiting. Indirect benefits exist but are harder the EU’s founding Treaty of Rome While counterfeiting is the to quantify and may well be higher which established a single, internal manufacture and distribution of illicit than the direct savings; these market through which goods, products by unscrupulous benefits include increasing services, people and capital could businessmen, parallel distribution is: competition which encourages freely pass. Parallel distribution in pharmaceutical manufacturers and • wholly legitimate; medicines is one of the best wholesalers to reduce the prices of • actively encouraged under the examples of genuine free trade domestically sourced products. Treaty of Rome’s free movement of across Europe that delivers real Where no generic medicines exist, goods principles; benefits to member communities. parallel distribution provides the • fully licensed by national How large is the market for only competition for branded competent authorities; and parallel imported medicines. • delivers significant benefits to the medicines? Both direct and indirect savings play UK economy. Approximately 66 million packs are a major role in containing the What is parallel medicines distributed annually in the UK (Jan- spiralling cost of medicines. In distribution? Dec 2005)1. In 2002 the value of other parts of Europe, for example the UK market was estimated at Germany, governments are Parallel distributed medicines are approximately £1,300 million2, promoting increased use of parallel medicines that are legally imported though the market for various imports to reduce pressure on the into the UK exclusively from other reasons has reduced in the interim. public health budget. EC member states, repackaged for local markets and made available to One in seven prescriptions Quality and safety - our top patients through healthcare dispensed in the UK is parallel priority imported and 90 per cent of all providers. Parallel importers are The MHRA will not allow a licence pharmacists source some medicines required to apply to the Medicines to be issued unless the imported in this way. and Healthcare products Regulatory and UK products are essentially Authority (MHRA) for a licence for Economic benefits therapeutically similar. each individual drug they import. Parallel distributed medicines There are stringent rules governing Parallel imports provide patients generate savings for taxpayers as the repackaging and marketing of with access to the latest drugs at they cost the government less. parallel medicines just as there are lower cost and save the government Patients benefit as they have access for manufacturers. Every imported and taxpayers money, which can be to the latest drugs at lower cost. pack is subject to rigorous checks invested in other parts of the health Pharmacists benefit as they can for every variable of strength, service. make additional savings by buying formulation and origin during Parallel importation of patent parallel trade medicines. In fact, processing. All imported packs protected medicines is for the time many community pharmacists have to be opened to accord with being restricted to the 15 EU would struggle to stay afloat the requirements of the MHRA’s countries. It does not take place without the contribution made by labelling guidelines, and to insert from accession states such as Poland parallel distributed medicines to English-language patient or the Czech Republic, or outside their bottom line. information leaflets. Where packs

10 Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 are opened, however, they are fully Parallel importers only import from Parallel trade under threat resealed before marketing. All fully licensed and MHRA-approved The benefits brought by parallel facilities are regularly audited and wholesalers, whose national trade are currently under threat. subject to on-the-spot checks at any wholesaling credentials have been What John Ferguson’s article does time. audited. Long-term supply not address are the lengths relationships developed over many manufacturers are prepared to go to No link between parallel years are in place, which provide trade and counterfeiting prevent parallel trade. Quotas are trustworthy provenance of the one way the industry has sought to There has never been a case of goods. In the vast majority of cases restrict supplies and put pressure counterfeit medicines entering the medicines are imported direct from on the parallel medicines business. UK supply chain through parallel the exporting wholesaler (who has While imposing quotas is officially trade. This fact is supported by the in turn received his supplies direct illegal under European law, drug MHRA’s head of intelligence, Nimo from the laboratories), repackaged companies know it will take many Ahmed, who says that there is no by BAEPD member companies, years for the EC to act. There have evidence of counterfeit medicines under the supervision of MHRA- also been attempts to introduce dual entering the UK supply chain registered Qualified Persons, and pricing, a practice which we believe through parallel imports. distributed direct to the wholesaler is also illegal and currently being or retail pharmacist. Best practice challenged in the courts. This fact was reiterated by former guidelines are conditional on Health Minister Jane Kennedy who BAEPD membership. Manufacturers also claim that dismissed any link with parallel parallel distribution reduces In fact, we believe parallel investment in research and imports, saying in July 2005 there distribution acts as an additional was “no evidence to suggest that innovation. However, in May 2001 safety measure. Whilst counterfeit the European Commission found licensed parallel trade provides any product thankfully remains more of an opportunity to introduce that contrary to claims by the then remarkably rare, we have frequently GlaxoWellcome, there was “no counterfeit medicines into the identified manufacturers’ errors convincing evidence” that parallel country over non-parallel traded during the repackaging process. products”. trade affected the firm’s R&D If product recalls are required, budget. The latest EFPIA Parallel trade also has the support of parallel distributors perform these (European Federation of the major high street chemists. as efficiently and comprehensively Pharmaceutical Industries) annual David Loudon, Dispensing Category as any other pharmaceutical report shows that pharma and Locations Manager at Boots, distributor. We work closely with companies’ spend on R&D has says that most community the MHRA to recall drug batches increased by 171% (1990-2004), pharmacies in the UK have been where necessary. Batches are traceable with overall sales up 167% in the providing prescription only back to their European source. same period. Another recent report: medicines imported from the EU for Playing our part to help Health at a Glance: OECD Indicators many years and Boots believes they beat counterfeiters 2005 reveals that pharmaceutical play an important role in spending is a key driver of OECD maintaining continuity of supply. We are committed to doing health budgets. In most countries, everything we can to assist in the “We believe that parallel imports growth in pharmaceutical spending fight against counterfeiting, has outstripped growth in overall have an excellent safety record and providing our traditional and that there is no evidence to link health spending – in some cases by completely legal supply chains are a factor of two. them with incidents involving not threatened. The BAEPD is part counterfeit medicines entering the of an NHS-led taskforce examining Conclusion UK supply chain.” bar coding and other ways to While manufacturers continue to Maintaining the integrity of improve medication safety. look for ways to limit our business the supply chain However, we see the major threat in and tarnish the reputation of BAEPD members, we will continue Although there has never been a counterfeiting coming from online to operate in a proper, fair and case of counterfeit drugs linked to sales, not parallel trade. Internet sales are effectively unregulated and legitimate manner – defending our parallel trade in the UK, BAEPD have no quality assurance. We rights and our reputation for the members are committed to believe efforts should be benefit of patients and taxpayers maintaining the integrity of the concentrated in this area, a view throughout Europe. supply chain to ensure patients are supported by Government and the protected. MHRA. Everyone involved in the 1 IMS data: 1/1/05-31/12/05 Parallel trade is highly regulated industry needs to maintain vigilance 2 Benefits to Payers and Patients from Parallel Trade, York Health Economics Consortium, May 2003 with a series of safeguards to protect at all times if we are to ensure 3 Benefits to Payers and Patients from Parallel Trade, York patients. patients are protected. Health Economics Consortium, May 2003

Richard Freudenberg is Secretary-General of the British Association of European Pharmaceutical Distributors (BAEPD). The BAEPD represents 14 of the largest licensed parallel distributors in the UK and is responsible for the promotion, protection and development of parallel trade and fostering the highest professional standard of practice and conduct amongst members.

Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 11 Breeding and Welfare in Companion Animals

Roger Gale MP and Lord Soulsby of Swaffham Prior

e jointly acted as hosts to recreating a toy spaniel with a that do. a Reception for the longer nose as depicted in portrait Protected from the rigours of WCompanion Animal paintings of King Charles II. The natural selection, under human Welfare Council (CAWC) on 16th modern breed is descended from stewardship, individuals can survive May 2006 at the House of about six animals. and breed that would not do so in Commons to mark the publication There has been a rapid growth in the wild. The very strong and launch of the CAWC Report on the number of species of vertebrates constraints to so-called desirable Welfare Aspects of Modifications, and invertebrates kept as traits and other aspects of biology through Selective Breeding or companion animals and, in the UK, imposed by survival of the fittest in Biotechnological Methods, to the this exceeds 1000 vertebrate species the wild are relaxed through Form, Function, or Behaviour of alone. Many hundreds of these captivity/domestication, and this has Companion Animals. species are bred for this purpose. A opened the way for the The cover illustration to the report considerable number of species extraordinary diversification of shows a magnetic resonance image have been selected for specific traits, forms that has occurred. provided by Clare Rusbridge or suites of traits, for countless The methods that have been used in MRCVS of the head and neck region generations (eg dog, cat, rabbit, the development of companion of a 16-month, female cavalier King pigeon, goldfish) and include animal breeds – breeding from Charles spaniel (which had a 3 breeds that differ markedly in small numbers of animals in the month history of yelping and appearance from their wild selection of particular traits and the tendency to scratch at the right ancestors. There has been a great use of sibling or parent matings in shoulder). The back part of the drive for novelty amongst the “fixing” of these traits in “true- companion animal breeders. brain is pushed into the canal into breeding” lines – tend all too often which, normally, only the spinal Historically at least, most to lead to significant inbreeding and cord passes. Resulting abnormal companion animal breeding has the accumulation of potentially cerebrospinal fluid pressure in the been undertaken in pursuit of harmful alleles. As a result many spinal cord has caused specific aspects of performance, problems with clear welfare syringomyelia – the formation of appearance and temperament (eg consequences are known to have fluid filled cavities in the spinal speed, size, colour, shape and arisen in association with selection cord. This disease which is due to a behaviour) with little or no specific for specific traits or suites of traits. hereditary mismatch of brain and regard to the possible welfare These include, to give some skull design, resulting in inadequate consequences. examples: hip displacia in dogs; skull capacity, occurs commonly in The “creation” of new strains, osteosarcoma (bone tumors) in Cavalier King Charles spaniels and characterised by these and various giant breeds of dogs; predisposition is associated with signs of chronic, other features, is, with few to invertebral disc disease in and in some cases severe, neck pain exceptions driven, not by a process dachsunds; brachycephalic airway in a proportion of affected dogs. of actively generating new forms – it obstruction syndrome in bulldogs; This condition illustrates how is nature that does this – but by various problems in Manx cats such selection for particular traits can actively selecting and breeding from as mega colon and constipation; have unforeseen serious side effects “new” mutant forms that arise predisposition to squamous cell on welfare. Although the particular spontaneously or from those carcinoma in white coat colour cats; aspects of appearance or behaviour individuals that most nearly glaucoma in Siamese cats; baldness the then breeders were wittingly or approach the ideal being selected in Sphynx cats with increased unwittingly selecting for, that led to for. The process works largely by potential for sunburn and climatic this disease, is unknown. The not breeding from those animals discomfort in cold weather; lethal Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed that do not meet the ideal being white overo syndrome in horses was developed in the 1920s in selected for, rather than by from breeding two overo paints response to a reward offered for accelerating the breeding of those (coloured breeds in horses) leading

12 Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 of the genetic basis of these problems may be more tractable in dogs than in humans. Modern genetic methods have been used for genetic manipulations in farm animals aimed at health improvements such as increased resistance to infections and infestations. Such approaches may come to be applied in companion animals also in the future. However, the technology is not without potential welfare costs and these would need to be carefully taken into account in considering any proposal to use the technology for such purposes. Despite initial doubts that cloning Chiari Malformation and syringomyelia in a cavalier King Charles spaniel was ever likely to be applied in the We are grateful to Clare Rusbridge BVMS DipECVN MRCVS for this Midsaggittal T2* companion animal field, it now weighted MRI of the brain and upper cervical spinal cord from case 52, a female CKCS that had signs of pain from 1.7 years old. Clinical signs included yelping whilst scratching appears that it could come to be at the right shoulder area. This was more likely when she was excited. applied extensively and gene Copyright of Clare Rusbridge MRCVS banking services are now being set up whereby clients pay for the to atresia coli and gut blockage; include genetic engineering and storage of genetic samples from tumbling in pigeons with tumbling cloning. their companion animals from in flight; predisposition to vitamin Genetic engineering is the use of which it may be possible to produce A deficiency in white canaries and artificial means to manipulate gene clones in the future. complications in health associated combinations in organisms. A In contrast to society’s apparent with long fur rabbits. These are a transgenic animal is one whose concern for the welfare of animals few examples across the range of DNA includes genetic material (one and for strict animal welfare companion animal species that have or more genes) from another regulation, it seems that an almost a genetic basis for conditions which species. The use of genetic unquestioning acceptance continues may seriously compromise welfare. engineering is currently largely to prevail regarding the selection Welfare problems associated with confined to farm and laboratory and breeding of companion animals genetic changes to the phenotypes animal industries. However, some for arbitrary traits, despite the great of animals can be particularly have predicted that it may not be potential for serious welfare serious in that: long before this technology is more consequences. widely applied in companion (i) they can affect a large number animals. The CAWC therefore proposes the of animals following brief code based on the It is to be hoped that, in the future, (ii) they have the potential to do so Council of Europe Convention genetic engineering techniques for many generations into the (Council of Europe, 1987): could be used to benefit the welfare future of companion animals through the “The selection and breeding of (iii)they can have a serious adverse replacement of harmful alleles with companion animals can result in, or impact on animals’ feelings (eg healthy ones. This methodology perpetuate, characteristics or through pain or increased may offer an approach to tackling inherited conditions that seriously fearfulness) and, some of the genetic problems that affect the quality of animals’ lives. (iv) these effects can be of long have been created through selection No one should breed companion duration – potentially affecting for particular breed traits. The high animals without careful regard to the animal throughout its life prevalence of specific diseases characteristics (anatomical, (and they may also affect within certain breeds suggests that a physiological and behavioural) that lifespan) limited number of loci underlie may put at risk the health and New techniques in breeding are some of these diseases and it has welfare of the offspring or the increasingly being explored. These been suggested that determination female parent.”

The complete report may be obtained from the CAWC Secretariat at: The Dene, Old North Road, Bourn, Cambridge, CB3 7TZ; or downloaded from the Council’s website at www.cawc.org.uk or www.companionanimalwelfarecouncil.co.uk .

Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 13 Low Carbon Power with Carbon Capture and Sequestration - a world first for the UK Lewis Gillies, Director, Hydrogen Power, BP Alternative Energy - BP’s carbon free and low carbon power business.

t the end of June last year BP announced plans for the Aworld’s first industrial scale hydrogen power project with carbon capture and sequestration. The power plant would be built at Peterhead alongside an existing Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) power station and take natural gas from North Sea fields which would be put through a reformer to convert it into hydrogen, a clean burning gas, and carbon dioxide (CO2). SSE is BP’s partner in this project which would use the hydrogen to produce 475MW of low-carbon electricity in a new power station – enough to power some three quarters of a million homes. The process will capture 1.8 million tonnes of CO2 per year that will be transported some 240km via an existing pipeline to the Miller field where it will be injected 4km underground into the oil and gas reservoir. It will enable production of this greenhouse gas. The enclosed renewable power and, in a single of some 57 million barrels of oil that graph demonstrates exactly how project, will deliver as much power would not otherwise have been radical a step the Peterhead plant as is currently generated by all the recoverable – more than the size of will represent in enabling a move to UK’s wind farms. an average new field discovery in a low-carbon future. Recent Significantly, the technologies that today’s North Sea – extending the generations of gas fired turbines – are being brought together at life of the field by about 15-20 the cleanest fossil fuel – have been Peterhead can be applied to all years. The CO2 will remain making incremental reductions in forms of fossil fuel, including coal. permanently stored in the reservoir the amount of CO2 emitted per unit This has obvious implications for rock which has a natural impervious of electricity generated such that a the future of coal in the UK which cap and has naturally held gas, with modern ‘F’ class turbine emits some currently emits 876g CO2/kwh net a large proportion of naturally 368g CO2/kwh net electricity electricity generated but could also occurring carbon dioxide for many generated. However, Peterhead is see a similar carbon capture rate. millions of years. If the project is expected to emit just 43g CO2/kwh The even greater prize in tackling not able to proceed now, the Miller net electricity generated – 90% less global climate change is for rapidly field will have to be than the current average for UK developing countries such as India decommissioned, as originally electricity, even after taking and China which have enormous scheduled, next year and this renewables and nuclear into account. reserves of coal and are currently opportunity to kick-start carbon Not only is this a step change opening a new coal fired power capture and sequestration (CCS) will towards making fossil fuel power station every week. This new be lost. generation comparable with approach to power generation The global power sector accounts renewables in terms of CO2 enables countries like this to for some 40% of all man-made CO2 emissions it also has a couple of continue their rapid economic emissions and as such is a natural other advantages. It will be base development while also taking an industry to target to make load power which does not have the active part in the global campaign to substantial reductions in emissions intermittency of most forms of tackle climate change.

14 Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 BP is largely indifferent as to how this support is provided so long as the total enables the project to proceed with a level of return commensurate with the risk. Conscious of the lack of knowledge that the novel nature of the project creates and the Government’s need to not over-reward the project, BP has provided the Government with a copy of the economic model of the project. It can use this to see what effect any policy framework would have on the project economics. Because of the importance of making substantial contributions to tackling the climate change issue, and of seeing this first-of-a-kind project happen, BP has offered to cap the BP, as an integrated oil and gas platform for its new life are not fully rate of return on the project. Also, in company, is one of a few companies compensated for by the expected the event of the project being more that has an understanding and revenue from the additional oil that successful than is currently experience of the technology this will be recovered. As has been anticipated, BP is amenable to some project calls for. The technologies required by other new sources of form of claw back mechanism so used in the various steps of the low carbon power, a power that the cost to the Government or process have been used at scale in generation industry with CCS needs consumer is reduced. different places around the world in a policy framework that allows the In announcing plans for this project different industries but this will be cost to be spread across the BP is continuing its commitment to the first time they will be brought electricity market. To provide the tackling the climate change issue together. For instance, the reformer Peterhead project with a rate of and its leadership role in industry on is of a similar size to one BP has in return appropriate for the level of this issue. It was followed, in Trinidad; experience of the capture capital and technical risk, it needs a November, by the announcement of of the CO2 comes from the In Salah level of support equivalent to that the formation of BP Alternative project in Algeria; the company has provided to renewable forms of Energy, a new business dedicated to numerous power generating energy in the UK through the low-carbon and carbon-free energy. facilities, including at its refineries; Renewable Obligation. It brings together BP’s gas-fired and the turbine vendors have proved The Peterhead project will require power generation, wind and solar and warranted the firing of hydrogen that level of support throughout its businesses as well as hydrogen in the turbines. Finally, from the life because of the technology power. It has aggressive growth plans USA, BP brings extensive experience choices that are made at the outset. and an $8bn capital investment of transporting large volumes of CO2 Like all new technologies it is budget for the next ten years. and our North Sea assets provide a expected the costs for subsequent BP’s commitment has already comprehensive understanding of the projects will come down with time. resulted in the announcement of Miller field, wells, geology, and the We are already seeing that the mere plans for a second hydrogen power behaviour of both liquids and gases decision to move ahead with a plant with CCS which will be built in rock. commercial scale project is pushing next to the company’s refinery at BP and SSE currently estimate the technology down this cost curve. Carson in southern California. As an cost of the Peterhead project to be For instance, the detailed indicator of the potential for using approximately £750 million. The engineering studies that are now coal, this will take petroleum coke, a reforming of the natural gas, capture under way have already produced synthetic form of coal and a by- of the CO2, its transportation and greater turbine fuel efficiency and a product of the refining process, as its storage inevitably mean this is more higher rate of CO2 capture than was feedstock. Of many other projects costly than a conventional gas fired envisaged just six months ago. that the company is looking at power station. However, the BP has analysed a number of around the world, several involve company is sufficiently convinced of different policy support mechanisms, coal itself. the need to move to low-carbon or combination of mechanisms, that The first power plant in the UK with power generation that it is prepared the UK Government might consider CCS can be built to provide the UK to carry the risk of the novel making available to this first-of-a- with substantial greenhouse gas technology application and to make kind project to enable it to go ahead. emissions reductions in time to help as substantial investment as this These have included both policy meet the Government’s 2010 targets project represents. frameworks already in use to as well as provide the country with a As they stand the project economics incentivise low carbon, or renewable world beating project. BP and SSE are competitive with other forms of power, as well as analogues of these will be able to make the final low carbon, or carbon free, power. and new mechanisms. It is also investment decision to build it early These challenging economics include hoped the EU Emissions Trading next year, provided the policy the offshore part of the project Scheme will be adapted to recognise support is forthcoming by the end of where the costs of retro-fitting the carbon capture and sequestration. this year.

Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 15 Britain’s Younger Researchers – Taking Real Science to Parliament

Eric Wharton, SET for BRITAIN

fter several years of • Fostering greater interactive Reception. Very substantial Prizes organising successful Science dialogue between younger are awarded in literature and art, so AWeeks in the Thames Valley, researchers and Members in why not in science? The awards are I said to Robert Jackson, my MP at Westminster and in their for the merit and quality of research that time, “How about taking a few Constituencies and all presenters are also younger researchers to the House of • Competing for a prestigious encouraged to discuss the benefits Commons to enable them to Medal and Prize for the best of their work in relation to Science present their work there?”. Robert poster representing the best and Society and to demonstrate any replied, “an excellent idea, let’s do research ethical, societal and commercial it”. Realistically I anticipated that implications. we would be doing well to get fifty Many researchers gain an awareness of the challenges and excitement in Three Receptions have been held in applicants, however we had 350 in the previous six months: that first year! I had previously other areas of research, possibly discovered Brian Iddon MP in one resulting in collaborative projects. The fifth annual Reception for of our early Science Weeks on the They receive a brief introduction to younger engineers was held on 6 chemistry “lecture-demonstration” Parliament and discover also how December 2005 (Dr Douglas circuit, prior to his election in 1997 Parliament deals with science, Naysmith MP and supported by BP, and I therefore brought him in as engineering, medicine and ExxonMobil, BNFL, Rolls-Royce, Co-Sponsor. technology. Vodafone, RWEnpower, Thames The more adventurous may strike Water, Royal Academy of Twenty-two such Receptions have up relationships with Members and Engineering – 110 posters). Daniel now been held, according to those invite them to their laboratory or to Walker, a research student from responsible for providing the their local pub. Members are often Oxford University, was the winner exhibition boards, aided by enthused by the commitment and of the 2005 Gold Medal and the enthusiastic Sponsoring Members dedication of the researchers, many £5,000 Prize for his research which and Champions at Westminster of whom are working on topical or is relevant to the oil and gas including Robert Jackson MP, Dr societal problems leading to a better industry, relating to the interaction Brian Iddon MP, Claire Curtis- world. A national Competition for of extreme ocean waves with Thomas MP, Dr Doug Naysmith MP, a Medal and a Prize is an important offshore structures. Dr Evan Harris MP, Richard aspect of each Reception – some of The Annual SET Week Reception Page MP, Ed Vaizey MP and Dr Ian the Prizes are at the £5,000 level, was held on 13 March 2006 (Dr Gibson MP. which was introduced by Richard Brian Iddon MP and supported by It is very encouraging to realise that Page MP for the younger engineers’ GlaxoSmithKline – 260 posters) for Britain’s younger researchers continue to appreciate this opportunity to discuss and present their research at Westminster to about fifty Members and a few Peers, who visit the posters and their presenters and who are impressed and thrilled by Britain’s future scientific leaders. The basic objectives of these Receptions are as follows: • Presenting “ground-breaking” research and R&D at Westminster • Encouraging better personal interaction between researchers 8 May 2006 Bioscience Reception Prize-Winners with Dr Evan Harris M.P.

16 Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 a very important one, of the SET or STEM activities held in the Houses of Parliament every year. Thanks are due to the Sponsoring MPs, and the organisations referred to above and others such as NERC, PPARC, EPSRC, IOP and many Members, the Poster Judges, learned societies and associations and staff of the House of Commons for their help and encouragement with these Receptions. Forthcoming Receptions: Younger Physicists (Ed Vaizey MP, Dr Brian Iddon M.P. with 13 March 2006 Lunchtime Prizewinners Lunchtime on 28 November 2006, the 2006 Cavendish Medal and Britain’s younger researchers from novel techniques with the electron Prize) any branch of SET/STEM. Dr microscope to investigate previously Younger Engineers (Dr Doug Christopher Mee of the MRC at invisible cell surface features. These Naysmith MP, Lunchtime on 12 Oxford University and Richard provide information that help in December 2006, the 2006 Gold Page of Cambridge University won understanding how diet and viruses Medal for Excellence in Engineering the 2006 Westminster Medal and such as HIV affect cell surfaces. and £5,000 Prize) £1,000 Prize for their work on SET for BRITAIN’s overall aim is to Younger SET/STEM Researchers using a simple invertebrate research encourage, support and promote (Dr Brian Iddon MP, Lunchtime and model (Drosophila melanogaster) to Britain’s younger scientists, Evening on 19 March 2007, the mimic the effect of A ‚ peptide engineers and technologists. This is 2007 Westminster and De Montfort accumulation found in the brains of the “engine-room” of progress in Medals and Prizes) Alzheimer’s Disease patients. research and R&D which is the UK Bioscience (Dr Evan Harris MP, Dr Carolyn Moores of Birkbeck cornerstone of maintaining and Lunchtime on 14 May 2007, the College won the 2006 De Montfort developing the UK economy and 2007 Mendel Medal and £5,000 Medal and £1,000 Prize for research the health and quality of life of the Prize) using electron microscopy to UK people – and is a vital resource, There will also be important observe brain development and to asset and investment for the UK. Runner-Up Prizes for each describe the consequences of failure These Receptions are only one, but Reception. to develop correctly. A Reception for UK Bioscience took place on 8 May 2006 (Dr Evan Harris MP and supported by ABPI, BBSRC and MRC and others – 170 posters). There is rapid growth in bioscience, biomedicine and medicine in the UK. Leanne Bellamy from Imperial College won the 2006 Mendel Medal and £5,000 Prize for her thorough review of existing literature (2.6 million women) which found that women who had pre-eclampsia were twice as likely to develop heart attacks, strokes, blood clots and high blood pressure in later life, about 10 years after their affected pregnancy. The Runner-Up was Dr Ian Prior of Dr Brian Iddon M.P. with Dr Carolyn Moores (De Montfort Medallist) and Cuauhtemoc Liverpool University, who uses Rodriguez (Millennium Medallist) at 13 March Evening Reception

Contact: Dr Eric Wharton, SET for BRITAIN at [email protected] By “science”, this generally means science, engineering, technology, medicine Photographs courtesy of Frank Dumbleton

Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 17 OUR ENERGY FUTURES FOR SECURE AND SUSTAINABLE POWER: FROM CLEAN COAL TECHNOLOGY WITH CARBON CAPTURE AND STORAGE, MICROGENERATION, TIDAL, WIND AND NUCLEAR MEETING OF THE THE PARLIAMENTARY AND SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE ON MONDAY 24TH APRIL 2006 A sharp decline in the generation of North Sea Gas has resulted in the UK becoming a net importer of energy for the first time ever. This coincided with market failure that gave rise to unscheduled and sudden cost increases for domestic consumers of both gas and electricity and the possible threat of supply interruptions for imported gas. These events have prompted an urgent review of UK energy strategy for the longer term.

The ownership and control of effective, economic, secure and sustainable energy sources that are compatible with Climate Change are increasing in importance if we are to manage our economy in the future. Decision time is upon us therefore, unless we are prepared to accept whatever may be left at the end of the pipeline.

Bringing Clean Coal Technology into the UK Generation Portfolio

Dr J M Farley Director of Technology Policy Liaison, Mitsui Babcock Energy Limited

Introduction make a significant and affordable to CCS is the introduction of Mitsui Babcock has been a leader in reduction in CO2 emissions from carbon-abated clean coal development of power generation fossil fuel use”. technology. Such technology is technologies since the company was Reduction of carbon emissions is available now and could be formed in the UK in 1891 and it required, but must be considered in operational in 3 years as retrofit continues to lead particularly in conjunction with, crucially, plants or in 4 years as new plants. advanced clean coal firing maintaining security of supplies and Carbon-abated clean coal technology. The company believes reasonable, stable energy prices. technology could thus be applied in that the UK should have a diverse, This requires consideration of the time to contribute significantly to balanced fuel supply portfolio alternative “fuels” (and their carbon filling the UK energy gap of 2015. which will deliver secure supply at footprint) and the timescales affordable prices with minimum necessary for the building of power Carbon-abated Clean Coal CO2 emissions. Carbon abatement plants on a meaningful scale against Technologies from fossil fuel power generation the demand requirements in the A major opportunity exists by should be the highest priority generation system and the relevance adoption of carbon-abated clean amongst all supply-side of the measures on a global scale. coal technology which can reduce technologies with the objective Carbon dioxide Capture and emissions whilst generating stated in the DTI Strategy for Storage (CCS) from fossil fuelled electricity at a competitive price. Carbon Abatement Technologies for plants, coal and gas, has very great Adoption first of Track 1 and then Fossil Fuels “To ensure the UK takes potential for the UK and even more Track 2 carbon-abated clean coal a leading role in the development importantly for the major coal using technologies as defined in the and commercialisation of carbon countries of the world like China, government’s CAT strategy would abatement technologies that can India, USA and Russia. A precursor reduce emissions progressively by

18 Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 20% to 40% (Track 1, available incentivise investment in the cofiring of biomass should be now) and later 90% (carbon dioxide cleanest coal and cleanest gas encouraged and, with a view to the capture and storage). Track 1 CAT technologies. This would require an longer-term growth of biomass technologies (higher efficiency adequate New Entrant reserve, energy crops in the UK, this should Advanced Supercritical separate BAT benchmarks (g/kWh) be strongly encouraged by Boiler/Turbine and Biomass cofiring for CO2 for coal and gas and a long- appropriate changes to the as new build or retrofit or existing term commitment to the duration of Renewables Obligation. power plants) are the lowest cost the Allocations awarded. reduced carbon supply-side It is very important that the rules Advantages of Coal technologies. Building capture-ready for New Entrants and Retrofitted Advanced Supercritical coal-fired Coal has a high energy density and plants are set correctly for 2008-12 plant would set the right example to the advantage that it can be since these rules will influence major users of coal worldwide, and stockpiled cheaply and safely, is investments for many years. If the kick-start early adoption of cleaner sourced from politically and wrong rules are set then these rules technology in countries such as economically stable countries will run counter to the Government’s China and India, which have a track around the world, with 200 years security-of-supply objectives and record in using UK power plant proven reserves. Supplies of coal are any investment incentives technology and a huge and growing much less likely to be disrupted introduced by the Government dependence on coal as an energy than supplies of gas, which are would then have to be more source. especially vulnerable to terrorist or generous than otherwise necessary. Since coal and gas are both seen as insurgent action directed at major contributors long term, the The Secretary of State should use pipelines along the supply routes. Government needs to implement an his powers to require use of Best 40% of the UK’s coal needs are 2 array of policy measures to achieve Available Technology for all new produced from indigenous sources, reduction of carbon emissions by fossil fuelled power plant or at prices which now match those of ensuring investment in the cleanest refurbished/retrofitted plant imported coal. Coal prices are much technologies for coal and for gas. permitted from 2006 onwards and more stable than gas or oil and are These measures have to avoid should require all plant (except predicted to remain so. Over the driving more fuel switching from GQCHP) to be designed to be longer term, the relative abundance 3 coal to gas since this would “capture-ready” . of global coal reserves, including adversely impact security of There is currently no Low Carbon significant UK reserves, compared supplies and expose customers Incentive for fossil fuels or nuclear with the relative paucity of gas (domestic and industry) even more comparable to the Renewables reserves, including declining UK to higher prices. Our views on Obligation, and the incentive which reserves, means that the price various measures are given below. exists (Carbon Trading), as stated differential must move inexorably in above, incentivises fuel switching favour of coal. Government Policies on coal to gas rather than major If the generation gap is filled by coal Clean Coal investment. An incentive for low then the current healthy diversity of At present, carbon trading is not carbon sources would not need to fuel mix for power generation driving more than minor be so generous as the Renewables would be maintained. Coal plants incremental changes and has an Obligation, but would need to be can be built in 3 years (retrofit) or 4 inherent tendency to drive carefully designed to avoid driving years (new build) from completion switching of electricity generation fuel switching to gas because of the of permitting. Only plants ordered from existing (less than optimum) low initial capital costs of gas-fired by 2011 will be operational by the coal plant to existing less than power plant, with consequences for end of 2015, and recognising optimum gas-fired CCGTs. It is not security of supplies and high price world-wide industry capacity, a reliable enough (in terms of risks. steady build programme with, say, 4 certainty of CO2 price), nor long- Cofiring of biomass in place of coal GW of project starts per year from term enough to allow bankable in large power plants is the most 2007 to 2011 is needed. investment decisions. Presently it is efficient and cost-effective way of just working to move cash from using this renewable fuel – 1.5 1 Details of these technologies are given in Mitsui Babcock document “Clean Coal Technology and the electricity consumers through the times more MWh and CO2 Energy Review”, www.mitsuibabcock.com, and in DTI generators on to the holders of reduction in an advanced Best Practice Brochure, BPB010 – Jan 2006 – excess CO2 Allocations, mostly “Advanced Power Plant using high efficiency Boiler supercritical power plant than in a Turbine” outside the UK. dedicated small-scale biomass plant. 2 For coal BAT would be capture-ready with an ELV for CO2 of 750g/kWh and for gas BAT would be good However, we believe the UK Since it is now clear that large coal- quality CHP or capture-ready CCGT with an ELV of National Allocation Plan could be fired plants will remain in the 350 g/kWh 3 ie suitable for the later addition of Carbon-dioxide implemented in a way that would generation mix, more not less Capture

Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 19 OUR ENERGY FUTURES FOR SECURE AND SUSTAINABLE POWER Local Sustainable Energy Adapted from a presentation by Allan Jones MBE Chief Development Officer, London Climate Change Agency

lectricity is currently supplied nationwide by means of a grid system that commenced Eoperations in 1926. This national grid is based on electricity sourced mainly from a few very large fossil fuel generators located near coal mines and major rivers, such as the Trent, which supply cooling water; offshore natural gas fields such as Morecambe Bay; and nuclear plant in remote coastal locations such as Sizewell, which are very wasteful of the total heat and electricity generated. The national grid system thereby loses as much as two thirds of the total energy produced, mainly as wasted heat generated at the power station, but also through the distribution system. The combustion of fossil fuels to generate CO2 in industrialised economies is also one of the principal Fig.1 contributors to climate change. The fact that most of the total energy generated is also wasted is no longer acceptable as a component of a rational plan designed to economise on fossil fuel combustion and to combat climate change. In 2004 I was invited to take up the challenge of replicating in London the work previously achieved by Woking Borough Council. The Council had previously received the Queens Award for Enterprise: Sustainable Development 2001 in respect of Energy Services activities Fig.2 undertaken in the development of Local Sustainable Community Energy System with the help of Danish Fire & Emergency Planning Authority and the London investors who were familiar with the technology Development Agency, has very recently announced employed. The system is based on locally situated plans to generate renewable energy in London. This combined heat and power (CHP) co-generation units will be in the form of a decentralised system of local burning natural gas, leading to tri-generation with the generation as an alternative to the centralised grid addition of cooling and subsequently hydrogen system designed to meet climate change objectives. production as fuel for transport. Summaries of the The London Climate Change Agency, which is a Energy, Environmental and Financial Savings and the component body of the London Development Agency, Climate Change Strategy adopted by Woking from 1 is the practical delivery agency implementing climate April 1991 to 31 March 2004 are presented in Figs 1 change projects in water, waste and transport. Energy and 2. A recent Greenpeace article Decentralised UK will be delivered through an Energy Service Company Energy also suggests that it would be cheaper and (ESCO) in conjunction with EDF Energy. The Joint more sustainable than the nuclear option to convert Venture Company Finance for this is split with a 20% every building in major cities into mini power stations, Shareholding (19% Public Sector and 81% Private each providing as much energy as possible for their Sector Partner(s)) and with 80% Loan Finance. own use, and thereby gradually extending the Woking The annual thermal efficiencies and grid losses for model more widely across the commercial sector and centralised power generation are presented in Fig 3 for domestic housing stock. comparison with Fig 4 showing the economic and The Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, who is environmental advantages which could be realised by responsible for the Greater London Authority, the introduction of a highly decentralised energy plan Transport for London, Metropolitan Police, London for London in the first quarter of the 21st Century. An

20 Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 inter-comparison of prices for Grid Supply and Private Wire supply shows the economic, environmental and engineering advantages to be gained from the use of private wire in preference to electricity supply from the Grid. Electricity would be delivered though a new London Energy Internet, by means of a series of Island Generation, private wire based sub-units, powered by CHP, Fuel Cell and PhotoVoltaic units, with connection, technical and supply (standby and top up) agreements with the Grid.

Fig.5

Fig.3

Fig.6

Fig.4

The Mayor’s Energy Strategy for CO2 and listing of Sustainable Energy Targets is summarised in Fig 5. The enormous potential for new renewable energy projects in London is summarised in Fig 6, and large scale renewable energy projects are listed in Fig.7. Hydrogen Fig.7 will be the energy carrier of the future, which will be manufactured locally from renewable sources (Fig 8). Fuel cells and the Hydrogen Economy derived from renewable fuels represent the only technology/fuel that can sustainably meet the UK’s future electricity, thermal and transport energy needs. The current barriers to this are not technical but are regulatory and due to vested interests. According to the London Development Agency’s Green Alchemy report – Turning Green to Gold, “The potential sustainable energy market generated as a direct result of deploying the technologies set out in the Mayor’s Energy Strategy could be worth around £3.35 billion by 2010 and employ between 5,000 and 7,500 people.” For further information see www.praseg.org.uk/downloads/2005/Allan%20Jones.pdf Fig.8

Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 21 OUR ENERGY FUTURES FOR SECURE AND SUSTAINABLE POWER

Must Nuclear make a Contribution?

Michael Connarty MP Secretary, All Party Parliamentary Group on Nuclear Energy

set myself five key questions: Is products underline their position as rise of 3.2 million tons of Carbon nuclear power necessary, safe, an important consideration in Geo- from electricity generation from Isustainable, affordable and is its politics. Reactions to Gazprom’s 2000 to 2005. I suggest this is use avoidable? This note sets out interest in British Gas caused a stir linked to the run-down of the non- the results of my research on these and underlined increased concerns CO2 generating Magnox nuclear questions. about security of energy supply. In stations (see Fig 1). an open and free international Security of electricity supply Is Nuclear Power market, the result is likely to be without nuclear would therefore be Generation Necessary? reflected in price rather than a subject to the following five factors: threat to supply, leading to a 1) Decline in domestic coal reappraisal of domestic sources Table 1 UK Electricity production and greater use and such as nuclear power. generation over Time costs of imports; According to Tony Blair “the single 1998 2005 2010 2020 2) Increasing reliance on imported biggest long-term problem we face %%%% gas, volatile in supply and price; Coal 36 34 25 15 as a world is the issue of climate change. The evidence is now 3) Increased use of CO2-producing Nuclear 29 20 15 7 overwhelming.” fuel cycles; Gas 28 41 45 55 The Government has targets for 4) Greater reliance on alternative Renewables 1 2 10 20 reduction in CO2 by 20% by 2010, fuels and energy sources; Oil 2 1 1 1 and a cut of 60% by 2050 from 5) Substantial costs in developing Hydro 2 1 1 1 1990 levels. The 2010 target will renewable sources and carbon Imports etc 1 1 3 1 not be met not least because of the abatement processes. Source: Energy White paper. Department of Trade & Industry

Nuclear power provided 29% of the reliable 24/7 base-load electricity to the UK in 1998 and 20% in 2005 (Table 1). Under current plans, progressive reductions of nuclear power generation (see Fig 1) would be replaced by increases in gas imports and renewables. A survey of present progress leads me to doubt whether the realised increase in renewables will match nuclear’s reliability in maintaining base-load electricity supply over the grid. The shock of the interruption of the gas supply from Russia to the Ukraine in winter 2006, and the massive price rise in energy Fig.1

22 Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 Nuclear is necessary if the UK is to Is Nuclear Sustainable? sums have been set against the maintain the diversity of supply Known supplies of uranium ore capital costs of nuclear power choices to protect us from supply reserves will suffice for 50-60 years generation. One recent statement problems and the trend line for CO2 at the current rate of use. Any from an MP’s anti-nuclear group production is to decrease over time. increase in demand will tend to stated £1,000 per Megawatt raise the economic value of these produced, which is just absolutely Is Nuclear safe? reserves and also, more importantly, unfounded. The latest estimates are Greenpeace founder, Professor the current value of future that FULL capital and running costs James Lovelock concluded “Nuclear exploration for new reserves that including decommissioning of new electricity is now a well-tried and will be required beyond 50 years. generation nuclear power stations soundly engineered practice that is Canada and Australia have been will fall between £20 and £30 per both safe and economic; … even joined by Russia and Kazakhstan as megawatt generated. taking the Chernobyl disaster into major sources. Non-coal fossil fuels The percentage of total cost are account it is, according to a recent are not thought be sustainable for as follows: Swiss study, by far the safest of the as long at the current rate of use. I Capital 17% Power industries.” Extreme agree with the Chemical Industries Financing 41% breaches of basic safety and design Association that such fuels should Operations and Maintenance 25% protocols at Chernobyl, discussed be reserved for their variable uses Fuel costs 13% elsewhere in this issue, are unlikely as chemicals and for new Spent Fuel Management 2% to be replicated in a future setting, Hydrocarbon based products. Decommissioning 2% whereas the safety record of nuclear At present the energy output of one To complete the analysis of costs I power generation is well known 8 gram pellet of uranium is the researched the comparative non and easily verifiable. 3 equivalent of 900m gas=700litres capital generation costs per kilowatt The reality of spent nuclear rods of oil=4000kg of coal, yet first use hour of electricity for each fuel giving off minimal amounts of reactors only release 10% of a type. Since this analysis gave no radioactivity when only immersed pellet’s energy. Reprocessing and indication of the level of CO2 in several metres of water, which I future fast breeder technologies output for electricity generated, I have personally verified, contradicts could release up to 90% of pellet researched the CO2 output for each the “scary story” image of ticking energy. Thorium, abundant in fuel. time bombs of nuclear waste used India, is an additional alternative to as an image by the anti-nuclear uranium which can be enriched to Is Nuclear Avoidable? power lobby. The issue of storage operate in Canadian CANDU From all the evidence I have found in the short, medium and long term reactors without producing in my research I have to conclude is one for which a solution is long uranium. Nuclear is sustainable. that if Climate Change is to be overdue, but has been exacerbated tackled and the UK is to have the by indecision and inactivity on the Is It Affordable? affordable, diverse and secure Just as scare stories are used about energy balance it requires for the part of UK Governments over the nuclear safety, so some exaggerated coming century it must contain a last forty years. It is not due to a lack of technical and scientific knowledge of how to store or Costs & CO2 Output per kilowatt of Electricity for each fuel type dispose of waste nuclear materials Pence per kWhour Grams CO2 per kWhour in the UK. Geologists agree that Wave 22.5 8 Uranium ore deposits that are often Tidal 13.5 8 more than two billion years old but Wind/offshore 7.0 8 which have no surface expression Hydro ? 9 present an analogue for a safe high Biomass 6.5 17 level nuclear waste repository. After Geothermal ? 79 forty years of inactivity, during Solar ? 133 which France, Finland and the USA have advanced their search for a Wind/onshore 5.2 8 solution, geological disposal is back Gas/OCGT 4.2 430 on the list of possible options Diesel ? 772 according to the UK Committee on Oil ? 818 Radioactive Waste Management Coal/IGCC 3.5 995 (CoRWM). The Canadian study, Nuclear 2.8 4 led by a former UN Environmental Gas CCGT 2.7 430 Commissioner, Elizabeth Coal/CFBC 2.4 955 Dowdeswell, suggests a way Coal/PF 2.3 955 forward.

Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 23 substantial nuclear power element. new nuclear stations to replace the safe and secure CO2-free nuclear The public response to nuclear is existing ones. Perhaps people are power generation in abundance but changing as the survey of public already responding to the scientific will need to rely on new nuclear opinion in November 2005 showed arguments which clearly build on existing sites for base load that 41% supported the building of demonstrate that we already have electricity supply.

In discussion the following points were made: A tidal energy bridge over the Severn Estuary with suspended vertical axis rotors would provide a cheaper, efficient and less environmentally damaging option than a barrage. Transmission of carbon dioxide derived from coal burning along pipelines following railway lines could be used to extend the life of the Brent oilfield. Competition in delivery times between carbon capture and storage (CCS) and clean coal technology (CCT) on the one hand and new nuclear build on the other favours the former mainly due to inaction subsequent to the Energy White Paper and a very long drawn out approvals procedure. New nuclear build is therefore no longer an option available to the Government to replace soon to be decommissioned nuclear stations that provide baseload electric power, whereas CCS and CCT are ready to go straight away. New nuclear build could be installed much more quickly on existing sites. Renewables are retail technologies suitable for small scale operation, they do not replace the need for large scale primary baseload energy. The imminent closure of currently operational nuclear, coal and oil-burning electrical generating plant will create an 18GW shortfall by 2015 for which the only possible replacement on the Government’s current agenda is imported gas with all the potential risks to security of supply and cost that that entails.

The Importance of Clean Coal Technology

Anthony Darbyshire – Trustee, The Comino Foundation

he Comino Foundation’s Electricity generation by fuel The decision on whether to vision is that people in type in the UK for 2003 replace existing nuclear power TBritain should live more Gas 37% plants is compounded by capital fulfilled lives within a prosperous Coal 35% cost, safety, spent fuel disposal and responsible society. Nuclear 22% problems and a lead time for new In pursuit of this vision the Other 3% stations of 15 years. The Government may be forced to trustees have identified that the Oil 1% support this option if it is not security, continuity, cost and Hydro 1% possible to maintain balanced cleanliness of electricity Net Imports 1% generation is of fundamental energy generation using other importance. means. Currently UK electricity is maintaining a strategic balance Having carefully reviewed this generated using a balanced mix of between gas, coal and nuclear situation, Comino believe that the fuels but, in the absence of a fuels. future, potential role of coal in Government energy policy, it is One possible scenario is that by generating electricity is not fully predicted that the closure of 2020, 60% to 70% of UK understood or recognised. ageing plants and market forces electricity will be generated from Coal is the most abundant fossil will alter this balance significantly. gas with 80% being imported – a fuel in the world and in the UK. The nuclear and coal components significant proportion from Security of supply and cost will be replaced, progressively, by Russia. This would obviously be stability is better than that for gas. gas. Energy conservation and against the interests of the British The key question to answer, production from renewable people. To avoid this scenario the however, is how CO2 emissions sources will be a positive factor Government must establish a from coal generation can be but will not address the balanced energy policy for the addressed to help curb global fundamental problem of 21st century. warming.

24 Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 • encourage, with appropriate ‘pump prime’ funding, the development of one, or more, full scale demonstration plants; The proximity of the UK’s depleting offshore oil fields offers the opportunity to enhance UK oil output whilst providing substantial CO2 storage. In the UK there is also extensive technical knowledge and commercial interest from private sector organisations. The opportunity exists for the UK to become a world leader in CCS technology. BP and partners are planning a demonstration project to test the viability of linking onshore gas conversion, power generation and The technology to generate The clear strategic option is to offshore CO2 storage in Scotland. electricity from coal so that some, ensure that a new generation of In March 2005 Powerfuel plc or all, of the carbon dioxide coal fired power stations with announced plans and funding to produced is eliminated, is well CCS is built, progressively, to re-open Hatfield colliery in South established. replace those that currently exist. Yorkshire and build a 430MW Current technology to generate This will maintain, and could clean coal generating plant with electricity with zero carbon increase, the proportion of zero emissions technology on this electricity generated by coal. Fuel emission requires that the CO2 is site. This new company is jointly captured and then stored supply will be secure and cost will owned by the Russian coal giant, underground, possibly to enhance be competitive. Kuzbassrazrezugol (KRU) and the output of ageing oil fields. To realise this option the Richard Budge, who led the Existing coal power stations can Government will need to: buyout of British Coal. also be modified to reduce carbon • establish an energy policy To maintain their vision, the emissions in the medium term which includes clean coal Comino Foundation urge the with upgrade to zero emission electricity generation with CCS Government to retain coal as a status at a later date. as a major component; major fuel in their forthcoming Zero emission plant with full • make necessary legislation statement on energy policy and carbon capture and storage (CCS) changes to ensure that CCS is ensure that a new fleet of clean is operational in the US and the possible, commercially; coal power stations can be built. US Government is supporting further development. Many of the coal fired stations that are now being built in China and India have relatively efficient carbon reduction and may be upgraded in the future to be emission free. In the UK, however, no firm progress has been made to establish electricity generation from clean coal technology. Some existing plants are reducing carbon emissions by introducing biomass to their fuel mix but modifying old, existing plants to introduce carbon capture is not considered a viable economic option.

Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 25 SCIENCE IN COURT – EXPERT WITNESSES IN THE DOCK MEETING OF THE PARLIAMENTARY AND SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE ON MONDAY 22ND MAY 2006 In 2003 three criminal cases involved prosecution of mothers for causing the death of their babies, in which the mothers had suffered the loss of more than one infant. Police investigations relied on medical expertise and raised serious concern about the role of expert witnesses in court. The overriding issue is to prevent miscarriage of justice while protecting the interests and safety of children. How will the outcome of these events affect the role and responsibilities of expert witnesses today and what changes to current legal and/or scientific practice, if any, will be required in future?

Science in Court: Expert Witnesses in the Dock

Baroness Kennedy of The Shaws QC

n most cases expert testimony is carers and parents who cause witness you have called says “I don’t but one facet in multiple layers of children to suffer and do kill their know” or “it might be the Ievidence, but there are occasions offspring. So it is very important proposition you are putting to me when cases turn on expertise, that we try to find ways of squaring (this to the defence lawyer) is right,” including work I was involved in on that circle without putting liberty at the defence can see the possibility of Sudden Infant Death, following risk. We also have to do justice to undermining the Crown case. miscarriages of justice concerning those who have no voice in our There may be other evidence that Sally Clark’s and Angela Cannings’ society and make sure children are comes before the Court that leads to convictions for killing their babies. well protected while making sure a conviction on the case of beyond Furthermore the General Medical parents are not wrongly convicted. reasonable doubt, but very often Council (GMC) was reported by the I sat on this Commission with witnesses are told that if you express Attorney General after a ruling that paediatricians, a coroner, and a any doubt at all you are presenting a Professor Sir Roy Meadow should director of social services, with gift to the other side. not have been struck off for giving expertise in this field. Evidence was But expert witnesses also find mistaken evidence in Sally Clark’s taken from Judges, and the Director themselves in positions where a trial, since it had been decided in an of Public Prosecutions and we high level of certainty may be earlier case that one cannot function prepared a protocol which we hope lacking and should be willing to as a doctor when performing as an will prevent these things happening expert witness. make proper concessions. Expert in future and examined the role of witnesses are independent and they The miscarriages of justice raised the expert witness to understand are not there to win the case for a how things might have gone wrong. concerns about members of the side. Even if they are being called medical profession, and the Royal Unfortunately doctors sometimes base their testimony on medical by the Crown or the defence, they College of Pathologists and the don’t belong to anybody. However, Royal College of Paediatrics, to their belief rather than scientific evidence. credit, took the initiative and asked Good diagnosticians do have that just as lawyers and judges can me to lead an enquiry into ways in feeling of something in their bones, experience case-hardening, so can which they could prevent such but it is not good enough in a doctors and experts, particularly if miscarriages of justice happening criminal court. they are always called by one side, again. We need to feel a sense of There are other temptations in the and don’t have that balancing outrage that persons can be wrongly adversarial arena, pushing people experience of doing it for all sides. convicted and those cases touched into certainties where there are none If you spend your life dealing with on a raw nerve, especially the idea with barristers for the Crown hating children who have been abused and that someone might firstly lose their the words “I don’t know”, because see the horror of how this impacts, baby, and then be accused of having you have to prove your case beyond then maybe you start seeing it killed that child. However there are reasonable doubt. As soon as the everywhere.

26 Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 People say to me, “how can you take this child away from its family” impossible to have a conviction, and defend somebody who you know is but that evidence would have been it is wrong to expect a jury to make guilty?” It is for the Court, the insufficient in the criminal court to a judgement between two sets of judge and jury to decide whether punish on a criminal basis and send expertise, when each is based on they are guilty and my role is to give someone to prison. peer reviewed evidence, but perhaps voice to my client’s case and I’m not We found that where there was one is based on newer information. the person who is sitting in failure by parents of babies who Lord Steyn has said in the House of judgement. You also have to give died, it was usually not due to Lords, “It would be entirely wrong some people a sense of how criminal failure that should be dealt to deny to the law the advantages ridiculous their account might be, with by the criminal courts. It’s not obtained from new techniques and but as a lawyer it is not my duty to usually about people being wicked, advances in science.” judge and in the same way the but about the suitability of people as It is important to ask the following: expert should say it is not their role parents, or their capacity for What is the expert doing in practice to be the judge and jury. You have parenting, possibly affected by drink and is the expert still in practice? to be reliant on your expertise and or by drugs. When did he or she last see a case to examine whether the evidence is Experts are frequently called by the in his or her own clinical practice? compelling and whether it is defence where babies have broken To what extent is the witness an supported scientifically, to express a bones that are attributed to natural expert in the subject to which he or view in criminal proceedings. causes unrelated to abusive parental she testifies? Roy Meadow fell into Doctors sometimes, through lack of behaviour. The question is whether error when roaming into statistics training, fail to appreciate the this has any scientific basis – were which was not his field of expertise. difference between the roles of there peer reviews? Are there any Judges should help witnesses clarify professional and expert witnesses scientific publications on the topic? where they have expertise and when in the latter case they will be Did those in the scientific and where they do not, are they in good able to express an opinion, but medical community have an standing with their own College and basing their views on science. At opportunity to debate this matter? up to date with continuing other times doctors may appear in a There has to be some control in the professional development? Has professional capacity describing court from quacks and people training in the role of the expert their treatment of a patient. The presenting them as people with witness been undertaken in the last temptation is that people try to turn expertise. 5 years? To what extent is his or them into experts: for example, her view widely held? If it is not A separation is required between widely held, is the view still based “While you’re here reporting on the carers and experts. It is incorrect anatomical aspects of the post on science, rather than something for GPs with families in their care, that is to a large extent conjecture? mortem you conducted, can I just or for a hospital paediatrician who ask you if somebody has a wound of Judges should also be alert to the receives a dead baby in an cosiness that develops in the that length do you think….?” The ambulance and has to speak to the doctor is then being turned into an courtroom because the same family and has the trust of the witnesses reappear frequently. expert, having been called in a family, to become experts in court. different capacity. It is very It is far better that someone new Our recommendations indicate that important for doctors to say, “I’m provides expertise, but very good expert witnesses from outside the sorry but are you asking me in my records will have to be kept by all jurisdiction should be tested with the same rigour as British experts. role as the person who dealt with those who are involved this particular case or are you asking The court cannot be the playing professionally. field of the retired or of those who me to turn myself into the expert in In the Sally Clark case a vital piece the case?” Judges should hold the present a new theory which has not of scientific information was been subject to scientific peer reins on that and very often fail to withheld from the defence – the do so. review. The bar has been set very presence of a staphylococcal high because of the miscarriages of The GP’s evidence in family courts is infection in the lungs. It was felt justice concerning paediatrics subject to a different standard of that it would be elevated into leading to a dearth of pathologists proof. For example, in a child something much more important or paediatricians. I heard the abuse case in the family court, the than it should be and allow Attorney General saying that we trial is a balance of probabilities and somebody that had killed a baby to should have them struck off if they the court will make it clear that get away with it. But then you are get it wrong in the courts. I am not their first purpose, above all else, is doing exactly what you are not sure it was a very timely moment the interest of the child. What is supposed to do as an expert, you when we are trying to encourage required of an expert there is don’t try to replace those who are people to stay in this field. It is different from that in a criminal judging the case. important to have their expertise court where the standard of proof is The judge should have prior while making sure that they operate much higher and where liberty is an indication of agreement and appropriately and rather than issue. Experts need to know those disagreement between experts in debarring doctors we should be distinctions and the ways in which cases with complex expert providing them with better training, the courts have different sets of testimony, and highlight the issues otherwise we will have courts priorities and where a family court which exist between the parties. If without the expertise they require. might say “on the balance of it is evenly balanced, with a case We also need to train judges to be probabilities and with the help of turning virtually exclusively on that much more skilled and proactive in experts we believe that a child may evidence, the case should not exercising their duty to establish the be at risk here and we will therefore proceed, because it would be expertise of witnesses.

Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 27 SCIENCE IN COURT – EXPERT WITNESSES IN THE DOCK

James Badenoch QC Chairman, Expert Witness Institute

he role of the expert witness is conviction was quashed on the currently under the spotlight ground that when reputable experts Tas never before. This is the disagreed in court about the result of a few high profile recent aetiology of fatal injuries (some of cases; of certain actions of the them allowing the possibility of General Medical Council; and of natural causes) the jury could not, critical but often ill-informed media without other extraneous evidence comment. proving guilt, safely be sure about it Part of the problem has been a lack (though the jury had clearly thought of balance in the publicity attending otherwise). the recent cases, due to failure, The apparent effect of the Cannings because of the notion quite widely wilful or otherwise, to understand decision, namely that opposing peddled and believed that they are a or report them correctly. In the Sally expert theories must necessarily breed of plausible rogues, probably Clark trial, Prof Sir Roy Meadow neutralise the prosecution case, was qualified only by white hair and wrongly strayed beyond his expert swiftly modified in R. v. Kai- gold-rimmed glasses, who style field of paediatrics by giving Whitewind, with the Court of themselves expert witnesses and are evidence for the Crown of the Appeal holding that a dispute willing in return for large fees to statistical improbability of two cot between experts about the provide ostensibly learned opinions deaths occurring in the same family interpretation of findings did not on any subject, with conclusions to by chance alone. He misinterpreted automatically extinguish those suit their paymasters. the statistics, but there had been no findings, which remained to be It is crucial that this demonisation, prior enquiry by the prosecution evaluated by the jury. and its malign effects, are countered into their validity, and the defence Yet these cases have quite and reversed. We need to get across did not challenge them in cross- unjustifiably engendered widespread that an expert witness is an expert examination despite discernible vilification of expert witnesses first (in his specialised field), and a fallacy. The trial judge told the jury generally, as a dangerous source of witness (selected for his learning) to disregard them, and successive misleading evidence and a cause of second, and that there are very Courts of Appeal and the GMC avoidable injustice. This has exacting standards imposed on expressly found that the professor produced a doubly malign effect: expert witnesses by the law. We had given the evidence in good need to explain how huge is the faith. In fact, the pathologist who Public perception of expert number and variety of cases in reported the post mortem findings, witnesses appears increasingly which justice depends on expert but who gave no expert opinion unfavourable, due in part to evidence. Finally we need to restore evidence, had failed to disclose to ignorance and/or misunderstanding, the confidence of the experts the prosecution the presence of with consequent lessening of themselves, by educating them in bacteria in bodily samples. This confidence in the justice system as a the requisite legal standards, and omission of factual material whole. demonstrating that conscientious (notwithstanding much evidence Experts are, by report, becoming adherence to those standards will capable of pointing to guilt) was the increasingly reluctant to give rightly protect them from public ground upon which Mrs Clark’s evidence, for fear of unpleasant opprobrium, and from the threat of conviction was overturned. consequences, personal or judicial sanction, and from Professor Southall was disciplined professional (or both), particularly professional discipline. by the GMC for having voiced to in child abuse and child protection Media coverage promotes a general police (not in the witness box) his cases, which adversely affects access awareness of the contribution to expert opinion that Mr Clark’s to justice, and further endangers criminal cases of fingerprint and televised account of a spontaneous some of the most vulnerable in our scenes of crime experts, pathologists nosebleed in his infant son could society. etc. Too few, however, understand not be true, and signified deliberate Ignorance of what exactly an expert how many other issues before the suffocation. In the case of Trupti witness is (I mean of what qualifies courts in a complex society are Patel the mother was acquitted of him to give opinion evidence) is incapable of fair resolution, with the murdering her babies, which is not depressingly apparent in the minds right remedy or outcome, without an indictment of expert evidence. In of the public, and of a few expert witnesses to supply the Angela Cannings case no expert vociferous commentators. Expert understanding (which litigants, erred or misled the court, but her witnesses are in the dock partly judges, tribunals and juries lack) of

28 Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 technical matters which are central Do expert witnesses unfailingly meet of contrary arguments and tested to the case. these standards? The answer today their own against them, before their The following is a random list of is that they do in the vast majority reports are served and before they subjects requiring expert evidence, of cases, but not always. In Phillips are called to the witness box. This some commonly. It covers only a v. Symes [2004] EWHC 2330 (Ch), a discipline may not be universally fraction of these instances, but is case founded on psychiatric followed, but it should be, and instructive: evidence of mental capacity, Mr training in these principles for Justice Peter Smith ruled that an lawyers and experts alike is already the allegedly faulty radar gun or expert witness could be condemned a priority. speed camera; personally in wasted litigation costs the adequacy of the guard on a These concerns notwithstanding, it if, by his evidence, “he causes factory machine; is the fact that in every contested significant expense to be incurred, the state of the brakes on a runaway case where expert evidence is in and does so in frequent divergence lorry; issue under our adversarial system, from his duties to the Court”. In the indications for urgent Caesarean there will by definition be differing Pearce v. Ove Arup Partnership Ltd Section; opinions expressed on either side. In [2002] IPD 25011, Mr Justice Jacob the mechanisms of brain damage in the criminal court the jury may be (as he then was) referred an expert a foetus; left unsure of the correctness of one witness to his professional body for mental capacity when a will was opinion or the other. In the civil consideration of disciplinary changed; court the judge must decide which proceedings, for having given the cause of an aircraft crash, bridge of the two should prevail, always of “biased and irrational” evidence to collapse, or wall subsidence; course with the unscientific luxury the Court. [I understand the disputed paternity; of determining the issue “on the professional body took no action]. the cause, extent and effects of balance of probabilities”. In either bodily or psychiatric injury; As for truly impartial detachment case the effect of the verdict or the measurement of aircraft noise; from the enlisting party’s interests, judgement is that one of them is vehicle speeds before a collision; things are more difficult. In my probably wrong, or at least not the best interests of young children. principal field of legal practice, provenly right. Yet at the end of clinical negligence, it is noticeable these cases we do not expect a hue Every day across the land courts rely that experts of matching experience and cry, or allegations that the on expert evidence on topics like and distinction are very often found, expert whose opinion has been these to decide the just attribution on identical facts, to take rejected has acted dishonestly, of criminal or civil liability. “Expert diametrically opposite views for the improperly or culpably. For in all witnesses are a crucial resource”, Claimant and for the Defendant, and specialist disciplines there are said the eminent judge Dame with apparently equal conviction difficult areas where expert views Elizabeth Butler-Sloss, “without and sincerity. At the 2005 annual may differ markedly on grounds them we [the judges] could not do conference of the Expert Witness which are at least arguable, and are our job”. Institute the Master of the Rolls, Sir advanced with complete sincerity. What the law in broad terms asks of Anthony Clarke said this: To restore the willingness of experts the expert is: “I have listened to many experts to offer their skills to the courts, and that he has the relevant expertise, giving evidence, and there have to protect this crucial resource of and does not stray outside it; been times when I have wondered justice from further erosion is an that he reaches his opinion on what they would have said if they essential goal. To do this we must adequate grounds, after diligent had been instructed by the other make sure, and make clear, that enquiry; side instead.……It seems to me that provided the expert witness does his there is at least a risk that a person that his opinion is honest, conscientious best to comply with who is asked to express an opinion uninfluenced by the interests of the the requirements of the Rules, it by a party to litigation, however parties; cannot and will not be a ground for much they try to be entirely legal, professional or lay complaint that he is prepared to change or objective, will tend to [bend] their that his opinion is held to be wrong, modify his opinion if good reason is opinion in the interest of the client, or is for whatever reason rejected, shown, and does not adhere at least in the grey areas – which disregarded or not preferred. stubbornly to a position for the fact appear in almost every case. It is Provided the opinion is honestly alone that it favours the side which inevitable – it is human nature”. held, is not outwith his expertise, enlisted him. We cannot change human nature, and is impartially presented after These principles, amplified and but lawyers must be mindful of it. appropriate and diligent extended, are enshrined in Part 35 The Master of the Rolls pondered investigation, the expert witness has of the Civil Procedure Rules 1998 the solution of requiring experts to done his duty, and done it properly. and in the Practice Direction which report without first being told from That he should continue to be supplements it. This Practice which side of the dispute their willing to do so, and that public Direction repays study, and is instructions came. Certainly the understanding of the importance printed on page 32. The new lawyers have a clear duty to ensure and value of expert evidence should Criminal Procedure Rules, whose when preparing cases that expert be enhanced, is vital to justice, and introduction is imminent, will evidence is soundly based, and that to the confidence all need to feel in largely echo the civil ones. experts have considered the merits the justice system.

Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 29 SCIENCE IN COURT – EXPERT WITNESSES IN THE DOCK

Professor Robert Forrest LLM, FRCP, FRCPath, CChem, FRSC, President, Forensic Science Society, Honorary Professor of Forensic Chemistry, University of Sheffield

xpert witnesses have long animals who had died of Strychnine there was a mass of circumstantial been subject to criticism both poisoning and alternate evidence against Palmer; Ewithin and outwith courts. explanations for Cook’s death such the forensic evidence was sparse 150 years ago, on 22nd May 1856, as Tetanus or Hysteria. Amongst the and controversial; the trial of William Palmer at the great and the good giving evidence there appears to have been some Central Criminal Court was for the Crown were Sir Robert difficulty in obtaining expert reaching its conclusion as expert Christianson, Sir Benjamin Brodie evidence for the Defence; evidence for the defence was being and Dr Alfred Swaine Taylor there was a clear conflict of expert adduced. Dr William Palmer was a himself. evidence and a demarcation in those member of the Royal College of During the course of his trial, giving the evidence. Surgeons who practiced in Rugeley, Palmer passed a note to his Counsel in the Black Country. He enjoyed Experts from London and stating: Edinburgh appeared for the the life of the turf spending more 1 “I wish there was 2 /2 grains of time on his string of racehorses than Prosecution and from the provinces Strychnine in old Campbell’s (the (including Dublin) for the Defence. on his practice. Suspicious deaths Judge) acidulated draft solely There was an extra-curial campaign had clustered around him from the because I think he acts unfairly.” time he had been a student. The orchestrated by friends of the The trial lasted for twelve days and death that led to his trial for Murder Defendant; for example, a journalist the jury returned a Guilty verdict at the Old Bailey was that of his obtained an interview with Dr after retiring for 1 hour and 18 friend John Parsons Cook who died Taylor and what Dr Taylor claimed minutes. Dr Palmer was sentenced in convulsions under his treatment. were false pretences and comments to death. Strychnine poisoning was suspected made by Dr Taylor at the interview and viscera collected at a post If he had been found “Not Guilty” were used in his cross examination. mortem examination organised by he would have immediately been There were allegations of Cook’s stepfather was submitted to charged with the murder of his interference with the physical Dr Alfred Swaine Taylor, at that wife, Annie Palmer, whose body evidence. time England’s leading Toxicologist. had been exhumed and had been Controversy continues 150 years When Dr Taylor received the found to contain large amounts of after the trial and Palmer’s samples there was evidence that antimony. execution. they had been interfered with and There are many lessons for today in 150 years later, on 18th April 2006, Strychnine could not be detected. the trial of Dr Palmer. an article appeared in The Times by The evidence presented at Dr Palmer exhibited a considerable Phil Willis MP under the somewhat Palmer’s trial was largely amount of dysfunctional behaviour provocative title “There’ll be no circumstantial and with a broad as a student, a factor which is not playing to the Court thank you leavening of opinion evidence. uncommon among doctors and Professor”. (I appreciate that this title Expert evidence centered around nurses who systematically kill their may have been applied to the article the detectability, or lack of patients today; by a sub-editor). detectability, of Strychnine at post there were a large number of deaths Willis raises a number of interesting mortem examination of humans and before the penny dropped; points in his article; taking the title

30 Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 first, it will be abundantly clear to clearly differentiated from experts any allegation of incompetence of this audience that the native ability recognised by the court. malfeasance in the presentation of of an individual to present complex evidence. Many medical There are advantages for the expert concepts in Court and elsewhere practitioners have lost faith in the in systems where there is formal varies. The ability to present ability of the General Medical recognition (or appointment) as an complex information accurately so Council to competently and fairly expert by the court. Not least might that the average man can assess alleged incompetence or be the issuing of an identity card understand it is, or ought to be, malfeasance by a medical pactitioner recognised by Court Security part of the stock in trade of a assisting the courts as an expert. I, Officers which allows one to carry politician. The problem arises when for one, would be much happier to the tools of one’s trade, such as this skill is used in a biased and be judged in those circumstances by calculators, laptop computers, unfair way. As far as presenting a High Court Judge, perhaps dictating machines etc into the expert evidence, or indeed any assisted by an appropriate assessor. evidence in court is concerned, court building. One of my most training can help to level the humiliating experiences when One comment made by Phil Willis playing field but will not totally assisting the court as an expert (at in his article was: flatten it. I would certainly favour the request of the Prosecution) was “Judges are not well placed to mandatory training in court having every piece of electronic determine the validity of new procedure and the presentation of equipment in my possession, except scientific techniques or theories. An evidence in court before a court my watch, removed from me on agreed protocol for validation accepts an individual as an expert, entry to the Victoria Magistrates should be introduced, as in the US.” that is to say, someone giving Court in Birmingham, including a opinion evidence. Obviously there calculator lovingly programmed Whilst recognising that the United have to be exceptions which I think with a series of “what if” scenarios States is not a uniform jurisdiction, could safely left to the discretion of that I expected to be put to me the Federal Rules of Evidence, in the court. when giving evidence. When I particular Rule 702, does provide a This brings up the question of remonstrated I was rewarded with a template which, interpreted in the recognition as an expert by the pat down in public by a Security light of cases such as Daubert for court. Some argue that it is one step Officer of the opposite sex. scientific evidence and Kumho Tire from registration as an expert by Fortunately, as there is no taxi rank for technical evidence certainly some formal body as a prerequisite rule for expert witnesses such issues provides a useful precedent that law for giving opinion evidence to the are easily addressed; one can makers could consider if a statutory system of court registered experts decline to accept instructions to protocol for the introduction of used in the Civil (Roman) Law appear in courts which adopt such scientific or technical evidence in systems. This system does have policies. One problem of court the Criminal Courts were to be some advantages, perhaps more for appointed experts is that one can introduced. the prosecution than the defence. become part of a cosy little club Nonetheless, such a protocol would One obvious disadvantage is that with the potential for opinion still require Judges and Advocates to the court will choose an expert for a evidence not being subject to the have a considerable degree of “counter analysis” when the defence vigorous scrutiny that it would be scientific insight if they were to wishes to challenge scientific in an adversarial system. Finally, assess appropriately the evidence evidence. The Defendant may not there is the possibility of the court which it was proposed to lay before have access to the physical evidence appointed expert being able to hide the trier of fact. I would suggest that and, in many jurisdictions, cannot behind instructions issued by the if such a protocol were to be influence the choice of the expert. examining magistrate rather than introduced, then there would be carrying out a “full and fearless” In my experience, experts from need to increase the budget of the examination of the evidence. Civil Law jurisdictions do not fare Judicial Studies Board for Judges well when they come to the United The question of the disciplining of and to consider introducing more Kingdom and give evidence in an experts arises. Personally, if present, training, with mandatory continuing adversarial setting in the Criminal I would far rather be judged by professional development, in Courts. It is certainly arguable that Judges than a General Medical scientific evidence and opinion court appointed experts in the Council or Council for the evidence based on scientific Criminal Courts could weaken the Registration of Forensic evidence for Advocates and pupils. ability of a Defendant to call Practitioners Disciplinary As a really long shot, I would whoever he wishes to give pertinent Committee or, as Phil Willis suggest that it might be appropriate expert evidence in his defence. suggests, by the Criminal Cases to make Law a post graduate Court appointed experts need to be Review Commission in respect of subject, as in the United States, with

Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 31 appropriate funding to encourage for medical practitioners. I believe basic science as the foundation for a the entry of science graduates to the that 18 is too young to start training medical education may, in the long legal profession. For what it is in either Law or Medicine. Further, run, improve the quality of opinion worth, I would advocate the same a return to the rigorous study of evidence from medical practitioners.

In discussion the following points were made: Our system is adversarial resulting in polarisation of testimony. Expert testimony could be brought together to benefit all parties. In Singapore, witness conferencing results in evidence being presented together. A register of expert witnesses is not desirable since the variety in the criteria for experts in medical practice, for example, is so vast. Freedom of the individual is important. The following should be actioned: better training of judges and lawyers, very few of whom are scientists; no cosy group relations should be permitted between expert witnesses and judges due to frequent meetings in court; experts should be placed together to establish where they agree or disagree and the differences should be highlighted for the benefit of the court. Counsel from each side should co- operate in this activity. Expert witnesses should rely on sound science rather than authority as the basis for a professional opinion. The resources of the Royal Colleges should be deployed to assist in selection of expert witnesses, in preference to the development of a register. Postgraduate training for doctors and lawyers recommended, with up to four years’ training after a first degree in science, though funds for this training do not exist. In general US students are better equipped than their UK counterparts. On the other hand, no special training is required for expert witnesses other than the simple requirement to tell the truth.

Appendix to talk by James Badenoch QC

PRACTICE DIRECTION ON 1.6 If, after producing a report, an and say whether or not the test EXPERT EVIDENCE expert changes his view on any or experiment has been carried SUPPLEMENTAL TO PART 35 OF material matter, such change of out under the expert’s THE CIVIL PROCEDURE RULES view should be communicated supervision; to all the parties without delay, (6) where there is a range of Expert Evidence – General and when appropriate to the Requirements opinion on the matters dealt Court. with in the report: 1.1 It is the duty of an expert to help the Court on matters Form And Content Of Expert’s (a) summarise the range of opinion, within his own expertise: rule Report and 35.3(1). This duty is paramount 2.1 An expert’s report should be (b) give reasons for his opinion; and overrides any obligations to addressed to the Court and not (7) contain a summary of the the person from whom the to the party from whom the conclusions reached; expert has received his expert has received instructions (8) if the expert is not able to give instructions. or by whom he is paid: rule his opinion without 35.3(2). 2.2 An expert’s report must: qualification, state the 1.2 Expert evidence should be the (1) give details of the expert’s qualification; and independent product of the qualifications; (9) contain a statement that the expert uninfluenced by the (2) give details of any literature or expert understands his duty to pressures of litigation. other material on which the the Court, and has compiled 1.3 An expert should assist the expert has relied in making the and will continue to comply Court by providing objective, report; with that duty. unbiased opinion on matters (3) contain a statement setting out 2.3 An expert’s report must be within his expertise, and should the substance of all facts and verified by a statement of truth not assume the role of an instructions given to the expert as well as containing the advocate. which are material to the statements required in 1.4 An expert should consider all opinions expressed in the report paragraphs 2.2(8) and (9) material facts, including those or upon which those opinions above. which might detract from his are based; 2.4 The form of the statement of opinion. (4) make clear which of the facts truth is as follows: 1.5 An expert should make it clear: stated in the report are within “I confirm that insofar as the facts (a) when a question or issue falls the expert’s own knowledge; stated in my report are within my outside his expertise; and (5) say who carried out any own knowledge I have made clear (b) when he is not able to reach a examination, measurement, test which they are and I believe them definite opinion, for example or experiment which the expert to be true, and that the opinions I because he has insufficient has used for the report, give the have expressed represent my true information. qualifications of that person, and complete professional opinion.”

32 Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 UK-China Partners in Science

David Concar, Science and Innovation Counsellor, British Embassy Beijing

n a spacious new building on the to collaborate with and access mentions as well as a novel UK- outskirts of Beijing a Chinese science and innovation in these China science journalism awards Istart-up company called countries will therefore become scheme. CapitalBio is developing tiny increasingly important if the UK is To function effectively as a devices, or chips, capable of reading to remain a leading science nation facilitator the China S&I network the activities of thousands of human capable of attracting inward R&D also needs to provide UK scientists genes at a time. Better tests for investment. and policymakers with credible and monitoring tumours are just one of The S&I network in China is informed access to the Chinese their many uses. working with the Office of Science innovation system. Many leading Next door, in China’s new National and Innovation, the research figures from UK science including Institute of Biological Sciences, councils and other partner Sir David King, Sir Keith O’Nions, more than a dozen government- organisations in the UK and China John Wood of the CCLRC and funded teams are doing basic to put in place the right channels Colin Blakemore of the MRC have research in molecular and cell and mechanisms for collaboration. strong links with China going back biology. The scientists leading them In January 2005 we began a many years or decades – as indeed were all recruited from top US programme of missions, workshops, does the UK’s Science and institutions. visits and media activities called Innovation Minister Lord Sainsbury. UK-China Partners in Science. We But over the past year we have A few kilometres away stands a assisted these and other opinion gleaming multi-million dollar have so far facilitated 70 activities involving close to 650 participants leaders to update and sharpen their nanoscience centre funded by a knowledge and contacts through Taiwanese microchip manufacturer. from the UK and more than 4300 from China. targeted visit programmes and high- It has obtained scores of ranking calls. international patents on carbon The outcomes are encouraging. All nanotube materials in the past two six of the UK’s natural science We are already working with our UK partners to build on the years. research councils are developing new or stronger ties with Chinese achievements of the past 18 All this in a country that just 25 organisations. For example, the months. A new phase of UK-China years ago was still emerging from Council for the Central Laboratory Partners in Science will soon be political chaos and economic of the Research Councils signed an under way with funding from the destitution. agreement with the Chinese OSI and FCO and focusing on six Over the past few years China’s Academy of Sciences on laser priority themes: clean and overall R&D spend has been science. And the UK’s Medical renewable energy; climate change, increasing by 20 per cent or more a Research Council signed agreements environment and sustainable year, outstripping the spending with three Chinese research development; infectious disease; increases of all leading science organisations including the Chinese biomedicine and the modernisation nations. But how innovative and Academy of Medical Sciences of traditional medicines; productive is China’s growing R&D covering areas such as stem cells, nanoscience; and space technology. base? What are the emerging infectious disease and health A network of UK experts in these challenges and opportunities for research. fields will assist us in driving collaboration forward. established scientific countries like Updating Chinese perceptions of the UK? And how can R&D-based UK science and innovation is an We are in addition working with a companies and organisations in the important part of our work. The consortium of UK universities and the Higher Education Innovation UK best position themselves to UK’s historical contribution to respond? Fund to establish a joint UK-China science through the likes of Newton innovation fund for supporting joint These are the key questions driving and Darwin is well known in China. research with commercial potential. the work of the FCO’s Science and But the UK’s modern science The work that has gone into Innovation network in China. Our strengths, its chip designers, developing institutional links over staff are based not just in Beijing expertise in climate change and the past couple of years combined but also in Shanghai, Guangzhou in high-tech clusters need and deserve with the vital importance of China southern China and Chongqing in a higher profile. We are building to global issues such as climate southwest China. The context we this profile by ensuring Chinese change and pandemic influenza work in is that in a globalised world journalists get access to high-grade make it a good moment to consider the UK’s share of global R&D will UK experts. Through UK-China this and other forms of targeted inevitably diminish as China and Partners in Science we generated funding of collaborative research other emerging economies increase more than 500 print and website with the world’s most populous their R&D output. A strong capacity clippings and more than 50 TV country.

Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 33 BOOK REVIEW Chernobyl – Catastrophe and Consequences Jim Smith and Nicholas A Beresford Springer and Praxis Publishing, UK ISBN 3 540 23866 2

he 20th anniversary of this momentous event has investigations which have been undertaken and predictably given rise to a very broad spectrum of effectively summarised. These cover radiation exposures Topinion and comment, varying from what Sir generally, radiation fallout and environmental transfer, Bernard Ingham has described as “Chernobylitis – an radioactivity in both terrestial and aquatic systems, inevitable festival of scaremongering, exaggeration and wildlife health consequences and social and economic emotion” – to a formidable variety of attempts to state effects. Each chapter is followed by a list of references and analyse the facts behind what Smith and Beresford which reveals the astonishing range of investigations and describe accurately in their title to this remarkable book. publications to which this event has given rise. It was my privilege as a young man in the 1950’s to visit The authors’ summary and conclusions at the end of both Hiroshima and Nagasaki and in my later this profound and authoritative analysis are worth Parliamentary career to take a Select Committee to reading in themselves, even if the earlier material proves Three Mile Island. In the history of the 20th Century somewhat daunting for those who seek to extract from these events will undoubtedly be judged by its this disaster views for or against mankind’s future historians as examples of mankind’s willingness to put dependence on nuclear power. civilisation at the risk of unpredictable consequences of One of these is of particular interest: “Perhaps the largest unfettered science and its technological consequences. impact of the accident on the ecology of the Chernobyl At the other end of the spectrum of opinion will be exclusion zone was brought about by the removal of the those who argue that, against the immense actual and human population. Consequently activities such as potential contribution of nuclear power to our demand agricultural production and the associated usages of for energy, the catastrophe of Chernobyl must be judged herbicides, pesticides and fertilisers ceased. As a result in the context of a century in which human folly and floral and faunal biodiversity and abundance increased stupidity undoubtedly cost tens of millions of lives. considerably.” The current media reports on the disaster reflect the The authors concluded that: “The net positive effect of broad spectrum of views on this event in particular and removing humans from the exclusion zone therefore nuclear power in general. The view which may broadly appears to exceed the negative impacts of radiation.” be described as “green” propagates the opinion that Chernobyl was responsible for hundreds of thousands In their masterly summary they reach two further of deaths, many of which have still to occur. At the conclusions which seem of particular relevance to the other end of the spectrum the IAEA, doubtless described current debate. The first is that “in many cases the as an “interested party” by its critics, suggests that “a mistakes made in response to the accident could be reasonable central estimate is about 400 fatal radiation attributed not to a lack of knowledge in the scientific induced cancers during the lifetime of the 600,000 most literature, but (for many complex reasons) to an highly exposed individuals and perhaps another 5,000 ineffective distribution of this knowledge both within in more peripheral populations.” the scientific community itself and to decision makers and the general public.” This would seem to have a The IAEA article concludes that: “While any such special relevance to readers of this Journal. estimates have some ‘uncertainty’, the current findings are compatible with the risk estimates derived from The second conclusion is that “apart from less than 100 Japan and clearly rule out the claims of ‘hundreds of deaths which have been linked directly to radiation, the thousands’ deaths made by some anti-nuclear groups.” actual number of deaths attributable to Chernobyl is not known accurately, and probably never will be “ (italics The number of actual deaths attributable without doubt mine). to the disaster is, in fact, under one hundred. Finally the authors conclude that in coming decades But where, in this profoundly important controversy, “nuclear power will form an important (and probably does Smith and Beresford’s important book fall? I would increasing) role in global electricity generation” and that suggest that this is for each reader to judge. But I know “if another Chernobyl is to be avoided, governments, of no more comprehensive, thorough or authoritative scientists and the nuclear industry must not forget the study of this topic or one which is demonstrably free lessons learnt in the years since 1986.” from bias. It contains major contributions from three Russian, three Belarian, and one Ukraine, two The authors have, in my judgement, perfomed an Norwegian, one Swedish, three UK and one Austrian outstanding service to humanity in assembling and citizen. The volume contains some 71 charts and 82 publishing the facts which sustain their conclusions in tables. The text is complex and demands more that a this volume. They have effectively demolished any modest familiarity with nuclear terminology, statistics excuse for publishing nonsense on the topic of nuclear and diagrams. Acronyms abound, as usual, but what is power, its challenges, risks and rewards. of outstanding interest is the range of scientific Sir Ian Lloyd

34 Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 What is the cost of Climate Change? Robert Freer

limate change has moved up the agenda of It is encouraging that this report starts at the politicians and their advisers to such an extent beginning by examining the publications of the Cthat the Government’s Chief Scientific Adviser, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Sir David King, recently described it as a problem These are relevant because the content of the “more serious even than the threat of terrorism”1. Government’s Energy White Paper and the subsequent Professor Tyndall working at the Royal Institution in Energy Bill were prepared in response to the IPCC London was the first to measure the warming effects forecasts on climate change. of atmospheric gases in 1861 and since then scientists The IPCC was set up by the UN in 1988 to address have been measuring the surface temperature of the anthropogenic climate change and reported in 1990. earth and, over a shorter period of time, the It was followed by the Earth Summit at Rio de Janeiro concentration of CO2 and other greenhouse gases in in 1992. A second report in 1995 was followed by the atmosphere which they believe to be responsible the Kyoto conference in 1997 which saw the for the increasing surface temperature. From this agreement of the Kyoto Protocol to control emissions information predictions are being made, using in order to reduce the prospect of global warming. computer models, about the effects in the future of The Select Committee clearly thought that the IPCC any further rise in temperature. Some of these has more work to do before its predictions could be a predictions are worrying. Global changes in rainfall reliable guide for future decisions. In general they patterns and rising sea levels may create major new were concerned that the IPCC had not explored as problems for those responsible for building and rigorously as they should have done the links between maintaining the national infrastructure. projected economic change in the world economy and The political response to this perceived problem has climate change, nor for instance the positive aspects of been to encourage the development of some selected global warming and said “the Government should technologies to try to reduce the man-made CO2 press the IPCC to reflect in a more balanced way the emissions from electricity generation, industry and costs and benefits of climate change”. The Committee transport. Less attention appears to have been paid to also raised serious questions about the IPCC emissions the role of economic policy instruments in controlling scenarios which apparently did not include recent emissions, and as a result the economic instruments emissions experience in their short term projections. and subsidies the Government has used so far may The balance of the evidence the Committee received not be very effective. For instance, the wind farms suggested that the high emissions scenarios contained which the Government has encouraged developers to some questionable assumptions and outcomes and build provide only 0.6% of our national electricity they considered that a reappraisal of the IPCC’s demand but it has been estimated that “the subsidy scenarios exercise is urgently needed. for wind power until 2020 will be some £30 More fundamentally, and more worryingly, the billion…. enough for 1200 brand new city Committee said “we have some concerns about the academies”. To do this the Government has been objectivity of the IPCC process, with some of its using a “source of funds not subject to Treasury emissions scenarios and summary documentation 2 scrutiny” and it is “an irrational policy” . These apparently influenced by political considerations”. figures suggest that the price per tonne of carbon Although there is among scientists a majority view on reduction by relying on wind energy is an order of climate change there are also some dissenting magnitude higher than the commercially traded rate opinions on the grounds that their computer model for carbon in Europe. predicts higher temperature rises than have been Also the Government emphasis on mitigation appears observed in the historic past. The Committee was to have overshadowed the alternative consideration of concerned that the dissenting voices were not always adaptation to climate change which may be a better given a full hearing. They also observed that there choice economically. might be political interference in the nomination of It was to try to address the economic problems arising scientists to the IPCC and they were concerned that in from climate change that the House of Lords Select at least one instance an experienced scientist was Committee on Economic Affairs invited evidence and rejected for membership apparently because he did prepared a report on the “Economics of Climate not pursue the consensus line. They considered Change”3. consensus was not a necessary criterion for

Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 35 membership of the IPCC “Consensus is the stuff of “We argue that the current capacity of nuclear power politics, not science”. The Committee made the …. should be retained.” recommendation that when members of the IPCC are Finding the right selection of financial carrots and being selected the nominees’ credentials should rely sticks to reduce carbon emissions and to encourage solely on their scientific qualifications for the tasks the use of better and cleaner fuels is not a involved. straightforward matter but the Committee said they The Committee recognised the practical point that shared the criticisms they had received of the regardless of what action we take now the time lag in Government’s Climate Change Levy, which is anything the climate system is such that global warming will but a tax on carbon. It is in fact an energy tax, the continue. And since there is a risk that international rate does not vary directly with the carbon content of negotiations will not secure large scale and effective the fuel and it offers generators no incentives to mitigation action a more balanced approach to the switch between low and high carbon fuels. The relative merits of adaptation and mitigation is needed, Committee therefore urged “a thorough review of the with far more attention being paid to adaptation Climate Change Levy regime with the aim of moving measures. The economic and social returns from as fast as possible to replacing it by a carbon tax”. investing in adaptation should be properly weighed On an international scale the Committee considered against the cost of mitigation. that the compliance mechanisms in the Kyoto Looking at the specific problem of electricity protocol were weak and even counter-productive. generation the Committee considered that UK energy Several witnesses said they would make little policy has focused too much on mitigation and difference to rates of warming. Excessive reliance on appears to be based on dubious assumptions about the “targets and penalties” approach embodied in the role of renewable energy and energy efficiency. Kyoto is unlikely to work. The Committee considered They questioned the basis of the energy and climate that a better approach would be to focus on policy which appeared to rest on a debatable model of technology and on more appropriate research and its the energy-economic system and dubious assumptions diffusion. about the cost of meeting the CO2 reductions. They reported an interesting comparison which has The cost to the UK of achieving its objectives had been made with the 1963-1972 US Apollo programme been poorly documented and not clearly presented to to put a man on the moon. This cost about 2.5% of the public. In saying “we look to the Government, US GNP in 1970 or 1% of the then global annual with much stronger Treasury involvement, to review GNP. The International Energy Agency has estimated and substantiate the cost estimates and to convey that a similar expenditure (1% of world GNP) would them in transparent form to the public,” the finance the research and diffusion needed to make Committee is apparently expecting the Government to carbon-free energy economically viable. This would undertake a stronger technical and financial scrutiny be a global good in which everyone would share the of the effect of the Government’s subsidies, and for the benefits . Government to ensure better communication with the This report reminds us of the relevance of economics public to explain the problem of responding to in dealing with climate change and raises questions climate change and the costs they will have to pay. about the Government’s present financial support for The Committee drew attention to the fact there are reducing CO2 emissions. The Committee calls on the available a number of low carbon methods of Government to give the Treasury a more extensive role generating electricity and they expressed their surprise in examining the costs and benefits of climate change that the Government’s Energy White Paper should have policy and in the work of the IPCC. If climate change placed such emphasis on just one technology, wind is now an important political matter this report will be energy. The Committee did not recommend any useful advice in planning a successful policy. particular choice of energy generation, apart from 1 Sir David King, Climate change science: Adapt, mitigate or ignore? Science. saying that it is prudent to maintain as wide an energy 303.176-7, 2004 portfolio as possible. But it did recommend that it 2 Lord Tombs, House of Lords debate, 23 June 2005 Hansard HoL 1787 3 The Economics of Climate Change, House of Lords Select Committee on Economic would be unwise to close the nuclear option and said, Affairs, July 2005, HL paper 12-1

36 Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 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. Members of the Committee are Adam Afriyie (Con, Windsor), Mr Jim Devine (Livingston), Mr Robert Flello (Lab, Stoke on Trent South), 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), Dr Desmond Turner (Lab, Brighton Kemptown), and Mr Phil Willis (Lib Dem, Harrogate and Knaresborough). Mr Phil Willis was elected Chairman of the Committee at its first meeting on 20 July 2005.

Oral Evidence study on illegal drugs, the Committee took evidence from scientific experts, lobby groups and the police. The corrected transcripts of these evidence sessions are In relation to the use of MRI equipment, the available on the Committee’s website. Committee took evidence from academics, MR The Creation of OSI professionals, the Health and Safety Executive, On 24 April 2006 the Committee took evidence from representatives from the Health Protection Agency Rt Hon Alan Johnson MP, Secretary of State for Trade and the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for and Industry, Sir Brian Bender, Permanent Secretary Work and Pensions, Lord Hunt of Kings Heath. at the DTI, Professor Sir Keith O’Nions, Director- Evidence sessions will continue until June and the General of Science and Innovation, and Professor Sir Committee expects to report on the case studies in David King, Government Chief Scientific Adviser and the summer and on the overarching inquiry in the Head of the Office of Science and Innovation. The autumn. session focused on the creation of the Office of Research Council Support for Knowledge Transfer Science and Innovation from a merger of the The Committee announced its terms of reference on Innovation Group and the Office of Science and 1 December 2005. The inquiry is concentrating Technology. The Committee also took evidence upon the effectiveness of the Research Councils’ regarding the changes proposed in the Science and knowledge transfer activities. Terms of reference Innovation Investment Framework 2004-2014: Next include the promotion of collaborative working Steps. between researchers and partners in industry, Current Inquiries stakeholder engagement, results and performance management, and co-ordination between the Scientific Advice, Risk and Evidence: How Councils and the role of RCUK. Government Handles Them On 9 November 2005, the Committee announced an The Committee held oral evidence sessions with inquiry into scientific advice, risk and evidence. The representatives from the Research Councils, members inquiry is focusing upon the mechanisms in place for of the Research Councils’ External Challenge Panel, the use of scientific advice (including the social academics and industrialists. The Report is expected sciences) and the way in which the guidelines shortly. governing the use of such advice is being applied in Human Enhancement Technologies in Sport practice across Government. The Committee has On 1 March, the Committee announced a new taken evidence from representatives from the Food inquiry focused on the use of human enhancement Standards Agency, learned societies, lobby groups, the technologies (HETs) in sport, with particular Head of the Government Economic Service and a reference to technologies which are likely to impact selection of Departmental Chief Scientific Advisers. on the 2012 Olympics. The Committee is particularly During the course of the inquiry, the Committee is interested in the opportunities and problems also considering a number of case studies including presented by the increasing availability of the technologies supporting the Government’s technologies capable of enhancing sporting proposals for identity cards, the classification of performance. illegal drugs, and the use of MRI equipment and the The terms of reference include the potential for EU Physical Agents (Electromagnetic Fields) different HETs to be used legally or otherwise for Directive. On identity card technology, the enhancing sporting performance, the scientific and Committee has taken evidence from industrial and ethical dimensions of allowing the use of different academic experts in biometrics and ITC. For the case HETs in sport, the role of the public, Government

Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 37 and Parliament in influencing the regulatory strategic science policy. As a result, the Committee framework for the use of HETs in sport and the state recommended that it should be mandatory for of the UK research and skills base underpinning the universities to alert HEFCE to proposed departmental development of new HETs. Oral evidence sessions closures in STEM subjects not less than 18 months will begin in early June and continue in the autumn. before the changes in provision are due to come into Research Council Institutes effect. The Committee announced its terms of reference on Government Responses 22 March. The inquiry will focus on the Research Councils’ strategies for providing support to their Third Special Report institutes and centres. The terms of reference include The Committee published its Third Special Report of the role of institutes in maintaining the UK research Session 2005-06, Government Response to the and skills base, the balance between Research Council Committee’s First Report, Session 2005-06: Meeting UK expenditure on institutes and grant funding, the Energy and Climate Needs: The Role of Carbon Capture different approaches adopted by the Research and Storage (HC 1036) on 27 April 2006. Councils on supporting the institutes and a review of progress on current reorganisations of institutes such Further Information as the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology. Oral Further information about the work of the Committee evidence sessions began in late June and will or its current inquires can be obtained from the Clerk continue in the autumn. of the Committee, Chris Shaw, the Second Clerk, Celia Blacklock, or from the Committee Assistant, Ana Reports Ferreira on 020 7219 2792/0859/2794; or by writing Chemistry Provision at Sussex University to: The Clerk of the Committee, Science and The Committee published its Second Report of Technology Committee, House of Commons, 7 Session 2005–06, Strategic Science Provision in English Millbank, London SW1P 3JA. Inquiries can also be Universities: A Follow-up (HC 1011) on 4 May 2006. emailed to [email protected]. Anyone The Report considered the proposed changes to wishing to be included on the Committee’s mailing list Chemistry provision at the University of Sussex and should contact the staff of the Committee. the role of HEFCE in protecting strategically Anyone wishing to submit evidence to the Committee important and vulnerable subjects. The Committee is strongly recommended to obtain a copy of the concluded that there was a fundamental disconnect guidance note first. Guidance on the submission of between the Government’s desire to preserve core evidence can be found at http://www.parliament.uk undergraduate subjects such as Science, Technology, /commons/selcom/witguide.htm. Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and its desire to preserve the autonomy of universities. The Committee has a new website address: Furthermore, the Report drew attention to the www.parliament.uk/s&tcom. All recent publications weakness of existing safeguards to protect STEM (from May 1997 onwards), terms of reference for all subjects and the lack of an effective lever to control inquiries and press notices are available at this address.

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.

Science Teaching in Schools sciences by addressing, in particular, how teachers and The Select Committee published in May a call for teaching methods can contribute to reversing this decline. evidence for a short inquiry on Science Teaching in The Committee invited evidence on current statistics Schools. This inquiry follows on from previous on the recruitment, supply and retention of science inquiries in this area including the Science in Schools teachers, how more appropriately qualified science report published in 2001. It will investigate reasons graduates might be attracted to the teaching for the decline in the number of A-level entries in the profession as well as the adequacy of professional

38 Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 support for existing teachers. It will also look at issues was marked by a seminar organised by the surrounding the role of the practical in teaching Foundation for Science and Technology, at which science, including the conditions of school labs. Ofwat, the Environment Agency and Water UK set out The Committee will be taking oral evidence in June their initial responses to the report. and July and the report is expected to be published in Science and Heritage the autumn. On 14 June, the Committee hosted a Sub-Committee II’s inquiry into Science and Heritage seminar with five invited speakers. The Committee visited the York National Science Learning Centre on is approaching its conclusion, and the report is 23 June, and Ministers Lord Adonis and Jim expected to appear in the autumn. The Committee Knight MP gave evidence on 28 June. heard from a wide range of witnesses, representing Government, agencies such as English Heritage, the Water Management major museums and galleries, academia, research Sub-Committee I’s report into Water Management in councils, and non-governmental bodies such as the England and Wales was published on 6 June (8th National Trust and Historic Royal Palaces. There were Report, HL Paper 191). The report received also visits to Italy, and to a range of locations within widespread coverage from the press and broadcast the UK (the National Gallery, Blickling Hall in Norfolk, media, with a particular focus on the committee’s Charles Darwin’s family home Down House, and the recommendations on leakage, partial disconnection of Conservation Centre at the National Museum of water supply for non-payers and metering. In reality Liverpool). the report covers a broad range of areas, making recommendations on the regulatory framework, demand Further Information management, water supply and the environment. The Reports and Calls for Evidence mentioned above The central theme of the report is the need for a more can be found at the Committee’s web site integrated approach to water management, bringing www.parliament.uk/hlscience. Further information together the full range of stakeholders and ensuring about the work of the Committee can be obtained that the economic, environmental and social aspects of from Cathleen Schulte ([email protected]) who sustainability are all sufficiently factored into took over as Committee Specialist in May 2006. The regulatory decision-making. The report’s publication Committee’s email address is [email protected] Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology

Recent POST publications The term refers to the increasing integration of ICT UK civil space activities into people’s lives and environments, made possible March 2006 POSTnote 262 by the growing availability of microprocessors with This POSTnote provides an overview of the UK’s civil inbuilt communications facilities. Pervasive space activities. It focuses on space exploration and computing has many potential applications, from Earth observation, discussing UK participation in health and home care to environmental monitoring international projects in the light of decisions made at and intelligent transport systems. This briefing a European Space Agency ministerial meeting in provides an overview of pervasive computing and December 2005. Preparations for the 2007 discusses the growing debate over privacy, safety and Comprehensive Spending Review are under way environmental implications. within government, giving rise to increased debate over the future of UK civil space activities. The note Current work highlights key aspects of this debate such as the future POSTnotes are in preparation on: of the UK space industry and the role space plays in Biological Sciences and Health – Pandemic flu, drawing young people into science and technology Paediatric clinical trials and Avian flu. careers. Environment and Energy – Carbon footprint of Pervasive computing electricity generation technologies, Climate change May 2006 POSTnote 263 adaptation in the UK, Soil degradation, Adaptation to Pervasive computing is a rapidly developing area of climate change in developing countries and Nuclear Information and Communications Technology (ICT). power plant siting.

Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 39 Physical Sciences, IT and Communications – Military International activities uses of space, Data encryption, Analogue-digital In May POST hosted the biennial European switchover and Internet security and e-crime. Parliamentary Technology Assessment network practitioners’ meeting at Wye College, Kent. This brings Seminars together many of the non-directorial staff of the network. Discussion at the meeting covered three main In June POST and Ofcom hosted the fourth in their themes – how to measure impacts of activities, joint series of parliamentary seminars – on Emerging managing international projects and the use of new uses of broadband internet, with a demonstration of the methods for technology assessment. Over 35 delegates technology afterwards. attended from nine EPTA organisations: the Danish and Norwegian Boards of Technology, viWTA (Flanders), the In July POST will collaborate with the British Rathenau Institute (Netherlands), TA-Swiss, ITA Psychological Society in a parliamentary seminar entitled (Austria), TAB (Germany) and STOA at the European Sustainability: Making Britain Green. Parliament, along with the non-directorial staff of POST. Fellows and interns at POST Also in May POST hosted a special seminar in the House of Lords on stem cell research for an inbound Jane Strachan (Reading University) joined POST in June mission from the US Congress, including three as a NERC Fellow to work on a POSTnote on Congresspeople, and staff of Senators and Senate Adaptation to climate change in developing countries. committees. The mission held discussions with the Bishop of Oxford and Baroness McIntosh, chair and David Wills (Nottingham University) also joined POST member of the 2002 House of Lords ad hoc committee in June as an ESRC Fellow to work on a POSTnote on on stem cells and Dr Evan Harris MP, POST Board Internet security and e-crime. member.

Parliamentary and Scientific Committee and Other News

Parliamentary and Scientific Committee PITCOM’s Twenty-fifth Anniversary We offer our good wishes to the Parliamentary Information Technology Committee (PITCOM), which Election of Office-Holders celebrated its 25th Anniversary with a reception on the The following office-holders were elected at the House of Lords Terrace on 26th June. Sir Ian Lloyd Committee’s Annual General Meeting on Monday 22nd MP launched PITCOM on 21st January 1981, after he May: and John McWilliam MP recognised that “IT was not a Hon Treasurer: Dr Ian Gibson MP party, but a national concern, and that there must be very few areas of policy that are not influenced by, if Vice-Presidents: Dr Brian Iddon MP not significantly dependent upon, IT”. They have Dr David Dent been proven to be right, from the heated debates on Advisory Panel: Professor Alan Malcolm liberalising telecoms of 1982-84, through Tony Blair’s pushing the e-government agenda since 1997, to this year’s ID card Bill. PITCOM has been there to help New Members MPs and Peers through these confusing times. We are delighted to welcome the following new PITCOM was shaped on the same model as the members: Parliamentary & Scientific Committee, and retains The Viscount Montgomery of Alamein CMG CBE much the same constitution today, under the Chairmanship of Andrew Miller MP, despite the many The Biosciences Federation – Dr Emma Southern vicissitudes that have befallen All-Party groups in the Abbott Diagnostics – Mr Andy Bufton intervening 25 years. It has recorded these years in a Amgen Limited – Ms Jenny Snell short history, available from Chelsea Technologies Group – Mr Richard Burt [email protected], which could be of interest to anyone who would like to track the ups and Eli Lilly – Dr Paul Johnson downs of IT in the UK, but also to those who would Mylnefield Research Services – Dr Nigel W Kerby like to see how a technical All Party Group can remain Trident Sensors Ltd – Dr W R Simpson a focus for Parliamentarians after 25 years

40 Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 published in RSC journals for over 160 years (dating back to the Society’s foundation in 1841) – is being made available free of charge to African countries. Two African scientists were present at the launch and each explained how the Archive could help their work. Robert Mokaya spoke about his early work in Kenya while Hareg Tadesse, a PhD student from Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia, currently at the University of Nottingham for one year of her research said “It was really hard in Addis for me to get hold of the right papers. This is where the Archive is going to be so useful. Now students like me in Addis can get the RSC Archive straight away, when we need them.” PERI (the Programme for the Enhancement of Archives for Africa Research Information) is helping to host the Archive, The Secretary of State for International Development which is also available to a number of developing launched a pioneering new initiative entitled Archives countries outside Africa. For a nominal fee the latest for Africa at the House of Commons on Tuesday 28 three years of the RSC’s scientific journals can also be February co-hosted by Dr Brian Iddon MP and Mr bought. The UK Permanent Delegation to UNESCO Mark Lancaster MP. The Royal Society of Chemistry’s and the UK National Commission for UNESCO also digital archive – which contains every scientific paper supported the initiative.

Debates and Selected Parliamentary Questions & Answers

Following is a selection of Debates and Questions and Answers from the House of Commons and House of Lords. A full digest of all Debates, Questions and Answers on topics of scientific interest from 18th April to 25th May 2006 from both Houses of Parliament appears on pages 47 to 51

Education Baroness Warnock suggested that the new flexible classroom should be able to open up to the non- Education: Science and Technology scientific world the imaginative possibilities of the Debate in House of Lords on Thursday 20 April scientific world since people could be introduced to Baroness Greenfield rose to ask what account the the concepts of science and learn to be critical through Government are taking of the impact of fast-moving the internet and the interchange and organisation of advances in science and technology on how young information. people think and learn in planning future education Baroness Morris of Yardley came across a good little policy. Science is now delivering a diverse range of book Less is More, by Human Scale Education which information technology, nanotechnology, and described the national curriculum in 1904 and 1989 biotechnology with a speed that we could never have which is still with us. We can see that the subjects we predicted even a decade ago. This was followed by a teach, what we call them, how we arrange them in the long discussion on the opportunities and benefits to be school day and even the amount of time we allocate to gained from access to electronic multimedia, such as each discipline area has barely changed in almost a the internet, provided training is available in century. That is the great problem with teaching, interpretation and use of the data thus obtained. learning and schools. Lord Stone of Blackheath emphasised the importance Lord St John of Bletso pointed out that the most of education and scientific information to enable recent research from the Office of Science and people to strike an appropriate balance between risk Technology indicated that while 86 per cent of the and safety and achievement and opportunity. That is population believe that science makes a good where science can help everyone, future scientists and contribution to society and that technology improves non-scientists alike. their lives, only 17 per cent of that study believed that

Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 41 consultation on science and technology issues with Universities: Research and Development Government had an impact on policy as the Debate in House of Lords on Thursday 27 April Government are unlikely to listen to them. Lord Patten of Barnes rose to call attention to the role Lord Dearing regretted the withdrawal in the budget of British and other European universities in the of the home computing initiative which enabled those promotion of research and development. He had who are not highly paid to forego part of their income attended the European Council meeting in Lisbon six to purchase a computer through their employer, aided years previously as a European Commissioner which by tax exemptions. had produced the strategy for turning Europe into the Baroness Walmsley drew attention to research that most dynamic and competitive economy in the world had suffered death by tabloid headline, namely the by 2010. It would be wrong to argue that nothing had Tomlinson report on education for 14 to 19 year-olds, been achieved, although it is inexplicable that so little which proposed far reaching reforms. Mike Tomlinson investment has been made in R&D and higher had proposed a gradual incorporation of the best education because universities remain the most aspects of A-levels into something more fit for purpose important research incubators in our society. In Europe in our modern society. the problem is that not enough is spent on the Baroness Buscombe quoted James Dyson on how universities. The EU average spend on higher young people were being groomed for university to education is 1.1 per cent of GDP whereas the US become middle-class professionals, avoiding industry spends 2.6 per cent. Hence US taxpayers spend more and manufacturing, unlike in France and Germany on higher education as a proportion of GDP than those where engineering is held in high esteem and most in France and Germany and considerably more than pupils continue with some science right through taxpayers in this country. The OECD points out that school. most European countries “are holding back their universities by neither making the required public The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, investment nor allowing universities to charge tuition Department for Education and Skills (Lord fees”. You have to do one or the other or preferably Adonis): thanked Baroness Greenfield for both, because the alternative is that UK universities initiating the debate which had touched on many of will continue to fall further behind those in the US, the issues discussed in her book, Tomorrow’s People, and will be overtaken by India and China. A decade about the impact on our society of the pace of ago, half the young Europeans who went to the US to technological and scientific progress. The Building do PhDs returned to Europe. The latest figures show Schools for the Future programme is replacing or that only a quarter returned to Europe. We urgently renewing the entire secondary school estate over a 15- need to establish a European patent, ensure that the year period. State-of-the-art science facilities are a part European Research Council is properly funded, forget of that. Since 1997 there has been a 30 per cent about the half-baked idea of establishing a European increase in the number of new science teachers. The institute of technology, and shift resources from the teacher training bursary rose to £7000 in September CAP and structural funds and concentrate them on 2005 and will rise to £9000 this September. The competition, R&D, economic growth, and the creation “golden hello” for new science teachers rose to £5000 of jobs. for trainees entering PGCE and equivalent courses in September last year, and we are also recruiting a new Lord Giddens rejected the notion that expansion of cadre of specialist, science higher level teaching research will be driven mostly by companies who assistants to enable every secondary school to recruit generally wish to reduce the amount they spend by at least one by 2007-08, alongside the development of outsourcing research to China and elsewhere. The only the new national and regional science learning centres way to motivate research expenditure by companies in set up as a long-term investment in science education the EU or UK is through taxation incentives. as part of an important £51 million partnership with Lord Wallace of Saltaire doubted the rationale for the the Wellcome Trust. One element of a £32 million proposed European institute of technology and package of measures made by the Chancellor over the recommended a virtual network in preference to a next two years to improve science teaching and physical site. learning includes a boost to the availability of three Lord Rees of Ludlow agreed that there are few world- individual sciences at GCSE, including physics, for class universities on mainland Europe since the best students scoring highly at key stage 3 tests at age 14, research is mostly undertaken outwith the university resulting in increased student uptake of A-level science system by Max-Planck institutes in Germany and by with higher grades achieved leading to science degrees CNRS in France. The UK does belong to consortia at university. such as CERN in Geneva which have been immensely

42 Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 successful. The European Southern Observatory has has reviewed in the 10 years he has been in office, has the world’s best telescopes. The European Space announced proposals for changes to the research Agency could gain ascendancy if it focused on science, councils which will be “radically simplified”. miniaturisation and robotics, leaving NASA to Lord Winston presented a case study using cells squander its far larger budget on ill-conceived grand which would otherwise be thrown away, in which projects for manned space flight. The European delays in approval procedures by the Home Office, and Research Council should help strengthen the leading the HFEA, consumed the entire time allocated and all European universities. of the £3 million investment for the research, resulting Lord Parekh complained that when universities are in low morale, loss of staff, and which poses very financially squeezed there has been pressure to serious issues in regard to medical schools. squeeze out philosophy, theology, art, literature and Baroness Sharp of Guildford pointed out that the classical languages. That is not the way to proceed, purpose of R&D is not only to generate new ideas and since universities should be judged not just by their knowledge but crucially to train people in leading- contribution to research and economic development edge scientific and technological techniques to provide but by their contribution to the understanding of an entry ticket into international networks which human civilisation, and be given credit for that. enables access to the international science base. Lord Norton of Louth emphasised the role of Lord McKenzie of Luton pointed out that this was teaching and that research and teaching are the third occasion on which research and development complementary pursuits which enhance the student had been debated in the past few weeks and in this experience and contribute to the nation’s wealth debate UK research was considered in its international creation. context. A comprehensive overview of the Baroness Thomas of Walliswood was concerned at Government’s position was presented. Reference was the number of projects given the Lisbon agenda seal of also made to many of the issues raised in the debate approval simply because they have something to do accompanied by offers of further consultation with learning or knowledge, although the agenda does concerning the Government’s many and varied not confer automatic acceptability on any and every financial and structural initiatives, and finished with proposal presented under that seal of approval. It is the Chancellor’s intention to make “Britain one of the important to be just as discriminating about those most competitive locations for science, research and proposals as any other. development, and for innovation”. Lord Patel acknowledged wide support for a fresh approach to the RAE. The argument is reasonable that Science (UK Universities) metrics-based allocation should constitute the main methodology for funding council dual support for the Debate in Westminster Hall on Wednesday 3 May more mature science/engineering/medicine area. That Dr Vincent Cable (Twickenham) introduced the may not be the case in the arts and humanities where a debate on this important subject and touched on four form of peer-based review might be more appropriate. interconnected issues, the overall funding position, the Lord Haskel proposed that it does not matter where availability of students to do science in universities, the research is done at universities as long as the UK formula that is used for allocating funding for science benefits from it, as this is an important aspect of teaching, and the basis of allocation of science research globalisation. in universities. It is ironic that the private sector, which used to be regarded as the preserve of effete Lord Broers indicated that the RAE with its heavy generalists, is increasingly one of the few sectors of emphasis on publications has done a poor job on education where people do double maths, which is a assessing technological research and may well have necessary foundation for advanced physics. That is had a detrimental effect on output by driving worrying because people in the maintained sector who investigators inappropriately to use the methods used have limited means are simply not getting access to in pure science to disseminate their results. The UK is teaching in those important disciplines. now less competitive in university research in applied research and technology than in pure science subjects, However, the main interest in this debate relates to the and a diversity of assessment methods should be discussion around the recent spate of science explored. The UK will forget at its peril that its major laboratory closures in major universities due to competitor has no such exercise. funding formula problems and the Minister’s response, both of which are presented in some detail. Baroness Warwick of Undercliffe indicated that the Chancellor, who does not have a track record of One of the most damaging decisions to have been bringing simplicity to any process or structure that he made in recent years was that by the Higher Education

Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 43 Funding Council when funding for science teaching, More recently interest has been growing in the use of which used to be at the level of 2.1 per cent of the Ground Source Heat Pumps. This technology can be baseline, was arbitrarily cut to 1.7 per cent. Putting it applied to buildings of virtually any scale including crudely, the non-science faculties seem to have ganged domestic dwellings. It relies on heat exchange with the up on the scientists and switched a large amount of ground immediately beneath or close to buildings. funding out of university science departments, which There are at least 15 installations connected to effectively had received a cut of 20 per cent. A circular commercial or public buildings in the UK, including and damaging argument was used. It had been noted the recently opened Welsh Assembly building. that science faculties were doing much less laboratory Both Defra and the DTI, in collaboration with the Heat work and concluded therefore that less money was Pump Association, have helped establish a UK Heat needed. However, less laboratory work was being done Pump Network to develop a partnership between because the funding was inadequate. That decision manufacturers, specialist advisers, and user groups. was very damaging. Is that a matter on which the This network will ensure that independent and Government have any say as after all the Government authoritative advice is available on the application and are the main funding body for universities? The use of heat pumps. decision seems to have been taken by a Government quango and the feedback received is that if that Energy Efficiency (S&T Report) decision could be reversed, it would do more than Debate in House of Lords on Thursday 27 April anything to improve the position of science Baroness Perry of Southwark rose to move, That this departments in universities. House takes note of the report of the Science and The Minister for Higher Education and Lifelong Technology Committee on Energy Efficiency (2nd Learning (Bill Rammell) responded with a well Report, HL Paper 21). Energy efficiency is everyone’s rehearsed account of the Government’s funding business, not just that of scientists and engineers. arrangements. The Government also wants to provide People are consumers of energy and contributors to pupils with more opportunities to study three separate the carbon emissions that threaten the planet. The sciences at GCSE. If laboratory-based science is 2003 Energy White Paper sets out a strategy for relatively underfunded something else must be reducing these emissions and for meeting these targets relatively overfunded. It is not enough just to argue that are unlikely to be met. This report is the that it would be helpful for science to receive more committee’s second detailed examination of the major funding in the formula. Anyone with credibility who themes of the Energy White Paper, following on from proposes changes to the formula also has to find the 2004 enquiry chaired by Lord Oxburgh into the sustainable and convincing evidence that other practicalities of renewable energy. The Government’s subjects are relatively overfunded. responses to both reports have been extremely disappointing as indicated in the committee’s annual Energy report, “the response to a large extent simply described Geothermal Energy at length existing policies, initiatives and instruments, Question and Written Answer on Tuesday 18 April without appearing to grasp the strategic vision underlying our Report”. It is to be hoped that the Mr Chope (Christchurch): To ask the Secretary of current Energy Review, chaired by the Minister, State for Trade and Industry what the policy of the Malcolm Wicks, will provide an opportunity for this Government is on the production of energy from fundamental rethink. If not, the Government’s policies geothermal sources. on energy will be doomed to failure. Malcolm Wicks: Between 1976 and the early 1990’s Baroness Sharp of Guildford indicated that the the UK carried out a major Geothermal Research report is comprehensive in all but one sense – it does Programme at a cost in excess of £50 million. The key not cover transport which would have opened up a conclusions from the programme were that the UK is huge new area to look at and where remarkably little unlikely to see major developments based upon has been done to try to limit growth. The big increase geothermal aquifers or the hot dry rock (HDR) method in transport has been in aviation and it remains a due to a limited resource, poor economics and limited scandal that aviation fuel is untaxed. The report refers scope for their application. to measures that are necessary to promote energy Unless the technical, practical and economic efficiency and concentrates particularly on the constraints identified under the previous Geothermal domestic sector, which, after transport, is the highest Programme can be addressed, the prospects for cause of carbon emissions in the UK. Even after the geothermal power in the UK would appear to be latest review building regulations will not match the limited. best standards in Europe. Furthermore there are many

44 Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 difficulties in enforcing those regulations with several technology for motor vehicle use through a greater examples given. Leadership is needed from central understanding of nuclear energy. government and should involve local authorities who Malcolm Wicks: The DTI commissioned two reports have been able to develop community spirit. in 2004 in relation to hydrogen: “Hydrogen Energy Lord Patel made the case for much greater use of low- Support in the UK” and “A Strategic Framework for grade heat in combined heat and power as Hydrogen Energy Activity in the UK”. These reports demonstrated to be working well in Denmark and have been published on the Department’s website. The Sweden and thus making more efficient use of the second report identified six potential hydrogen energy available energy. chains for the use of hydrogen as a transport fuel. One Lord Lewis of Newnham emphasised the need for route is to produce hydrogen from nuclear generation. energy saving procedures for incorporation in house On 15 June 2005, I announced the Government’s design in the light of the Government’s proposal to response to the second report “A Strategic Framework build one million new houses by 2010. In addition, a for Hydrogen Energy Activity in the UK” which wide range of heat efficiency improvements were included a funding package of £15 million over four presented in house design and benefits that could be years for a UK wide hydrogen and fuel cell obtained from local heating schemes. demonstration programme. The details of the Lord Broers explained the need for smart meters that demonstration scheme is currently being developed, would enable householders to realise the importance and requires EC state aid approval. of energy conservation while also enabling modern power electronics equipment to interface carbon-free Home Affairs micro-generators of electricity with the supply grid. Forensic Science The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Debate in Westminster Hall on Thursday 20 April Department for Environment, Food and Rural Mr Phil Willis (Harrogate and Knaresborough): The Affairs (Lord Bach) responded to the previous Government’s decision to develop the Forensic Science speakers by indicating that considerable progress had Service (FSS) into a Government-owned company, or a been made since the committee published its report GovCo, with a possible progression to a public-private through this year’s budget and in the UK climate partnership (PPP) thereafter, has been a source of great change programme. New provisions in building controversy. The GovCo must not be set up to fail but regulations came into force which, together with the must be given the chance to succeed in its own right previous revision in 2002, give a 40 per cent and must not be just a transition step to a PPP. It improvement in the energy performance of new cannot be right for the Government to set the criteria buildings. A review of measures to tackle existing by which the FSS GovCo will be assessed, then, as the buildings is also under way with recommendations to sole shareholder, assess whether those criteria have Ministers this summer. Robust provisions on smart been met and then to influence the management of the metering and related technologies is also under way, FSS during the transition to PPP status, which should including the launch of the first interactive smart not be the inevitable outcome. Competitor providers metering trial in the residential sector. This trial such as the Forensic Alliance and LGC are frustrated at managed jointly by EDF Energy and National Energy what they see as the lack of a level playing field as Action will see 3000 electricity and smart gas meters regards competition for forensic science services, installed in homes over the next two years. A new particularly where police forces are involved. The support scheme for heat generation from renewable Government must do their utmost to ensure that the resources in the industrial, commercial and FSS remains an attractive employer, because it is far community sectors will run for five years. An action too important a national asset to be allowed to fall into plan for renewable energy in biomass was recently a state of decay. Amanda Burton and “Silent Witness” announced. With regard to criticism of the present have created a huge amount of interest in forensic ministerial responsibilities for energy-related and science with the result that from September it will be climate change issues that are spread across several possible to choose from 445 degree courses with departments, the question is what alternatives do the forensic in their title. For example, Canterbury Christ opposing Front Benches have to offer? Church University are able to offer a degree in forensic Fuel Cell Technology investigation combined with tourism and leisure Question and Written Answer on Wednesday 10 May studies, or music combined with forensic investigation. Mr Drew (Stroud): To ask the Secretary of State for The massive expansion in forensic science courses has Trade and Industry what help his Department makes taken place largely without quality control. Whereas it available to companies researching hydrogen fuel cell may be advantageous to have a general understanding

Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 45 of forensic science as a police officer, forensic science There is no intention to build a national DNA as a profession relies on scientists with expertise in database. Only about 30 highly security cleared primary scientific subjects such as chemistry and individuals have direct access to the national DNA physics. database. It cannot be accessed from police stations Dr Ian Gibson (Norwich, North): Forensic science and there are strict controls on who is able to gain involves many different individuals and agencies in direct access to that information. It is hoped that research and development and in promoting sharing information on unsolved crimes with understanding of the role of forensic science in the European colleagues will help with their solution. A criminal justice system. It is an ever expanding area strong argument can be made that larger police forces and the Select Committee report has made a dent in would use science far more effectively and invest in it the situation and illustrates the problems that are far more strategically. being spoken of in professional societies and the Animal Experimentation Science and Technology Select Committee should be Question and Written Answer on Thursday 25 May congratulated on its work in bringing this important topic to the attention of Government. Lyn Brown (West Ham): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps his Department Mr Brooks Newmark (Braintree): The Government do is taking to encourage the development and validation not inspire confidence in their ability to make a of alternative methods of scientific experimentation to success of the FSS as a PPP and we should also be replace and reduce the use of animal experiments. sceptical about tinkering with an essential public service, which does much to underpin our criminal Joan Ryan: The Home Office is fully committed to justice system. That reason, as much as the first, is one encouraging the development of alternatives to animal of the primary objections to privatisation of the experimentation where this is possible. Indeed, under service. the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, we will not license the use of animals in scientific procedures Dr Brian Iddon (Bolton, South-East): The if alternative non-animal techniques are available. Government recently published the four sets of criteria that need to be met: 1) The needs of the UK criminal In addition, the Home Office contributes £250,000 justice system should be met; 2) The Government annually to the National Centre for the Replacement, should seek assurance that a competitive marketplace Reduction and Refinement of Animals in Research will develop for forensic science; 3) The FSS needs to (NC3Rs) which was established by the Government in improve its accommodation with state-of-the-art May 2004 to co-ordinate and stimulate research and facilities; 4) The Government will have to consider the practice in the 3Rs. The NC3Rs funds high-quality 3Rs FSS’s needs as a shareholder when converting to PPP. If research and facilitates the exchange of information money is lost the FSS will have a problem. and ideas, the identification of knowledge gaps, and the translation of research findings into practice to Mr Phillip Hollobone (Kettering): Northamptonshire benefit both animals and science. The Centre submits police’s scientific support unit led by Dr John Bond is an annual report to the Minister for Science and one of the best in the country but is imperilled by the Innovation on its activities, the first of which was proposed police mergers. If this all goes wrong it could published in January 2006 and is available on their end up with fewer crimes being detected as a result of website at: www.nc3rs.org. forensic science. Internationally, the United Kingdom Government The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the continues to support the European Centre for the Home Department (Andy Burnham): The Home Validation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM) through Office through the DNA expansion programme has contributions to the European Union. We take a lead been investing resources into the use of DNA, and in formulating European policies, standards and targets more generally into the quality of science available to which neither disadvantage the United Kingdom nor police forces. The trading fund status was revoked and drive work abroad to countries where lower standards the GovCo created in December 2005. No decision apply. will be taken to change status to a PPP before the summer of 2007. Criteria were published on 29 March Science Policy setting out the four areas by which the GovCo will be Nano Materials judged in due course, though no decision has been taken to give the FSS time to adapt to its new GovCo Question and Oral Answer on Wednesday 24 May status and to see what benefits it brings, and how the Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer asked Her service can use them to improve its operation. The Majesty's Government whether, after their current staff are now public servants rather than civil servants. consultation, they plan to develop a regulatory

46 Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 framework that covers specifically the production or of the hazards that this country will face – the application of nano materials. products are already being imported and used here – The Minister of State, Department for will not pose a threat to human health or the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord environment? We just do not know whether they will. Rooker): My Lords, my department is currently The resources devoted are too little, and the time taken gathering evidence to support decisions on the best by his department is too long. The market will be ways to control any risks from the production and use flooded with these products before we know much of nano materials. This involves government-led about them. research, supported by a proposed voluntary scheme. Lord Rooker: My Lords, it is not as if it has happened The evidence will be reviewed in two years, and, if overnight. The voluntary scheme that I referred to sufficient information is available, we will make should start in late summer this year, and the public proposals for appropriate control. consultation that was initiated in March will finish on Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer: My Lords, I 23 July. The process was initiated by my noble friend thank the Minister for his reply. Does he accept that Lord Sainsbury in June 2003 when the Royal Society this is a fast moving area of technology with very and the Royal Academy of Engineering were asked to exciting developments and that the UK has not led the investigate the implications. I realise that this is field, as recognised in the report from the other place important technology and that products are now in entitled Too little too late? We are losing out on some use. I am told that probably dozens of laboratories and of the benefits of this exciting technology. Given the private companies are exploring and using these very timescale involved, is the Minister confident that some tiny materials around the country.

Progress of Legislation before Parliament

A comprehensive list of Public Bills before Parliament, sitting in the Weekly Information Bulletin, which can be giving up-to-date information on their progress through found at: Parliament, is published regularly when Parliament is http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm/cmwib.htm

UK Parliament - Digest of Parliamentary Debates, Questions and Answers 18th April – 25th May 2006

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 41 to 47

Agriculture Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act – 18.5.06 HoC 1206W Agriculture – Debate – 18.5.06 HoL 419 Medical Research (Animals) – 23.5.06 HoC 446WH Funding – 18.4.06 HoL WA159 Porton Down – 8.5.06 HoC 40W Ring Rot – 15.5.06 HoL WA1 Genetically Modified Foods – 20.4.06 HoC 751W Animal Health and Welfare Nitrates Directive – 18.5.06 HoC 1203W Animal Welfare – 9.5.06 HoC 127W Water: Agriculture – 15.5.06 HoL WA14 Anthrax (Wales) – 4.5.06 HoC 1728W Avian Influenza – 19.4.06 HoC 9WS, 25.4.06 HoC 972W Animal Experiments & 1036W, 26.4.06 HoC 1095W & 1181W, 27.4.06 HoL * Animal Experimentation – 25.5.06 HoC 2015W WS25, 3.5.06 HoC 59WS, 4.5.06 HoC 1728W, 8.5.06 Procedures – 4.5.06 HoC 1827W HoC 9W, 9.5.06 HoC 127W, 12.5.06 HoC 579W, 16.5.06 Rights Terrorists – 17.5.06 HoC 1022W HoC 833W, 22.5.06 HoC 1290W & 25.5.06 HoC 1912W Testing – 18.4.06 HoC 443W Quarantine – 11.5.06 HoC 409W Welfare – 23.5.06 HoC 1687W Badger Body Snares – 2.5.06 HoC 1310W

Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 47 Bees – 18.4.06 HoC 17W Climate Change Birds – 15.5.06 HoL WA1 Biodiversity (Agriculture, Environmental Effects) – 3.5.06 BSE/Scrapie – 2.5.06 HoC 1312W HoC 1560W EU: Food Chain and Animal Health – 17.5.06 HoL WA41 Climate Change – 18.4.06 HoL WA168, 20.4.06 HoC Gabon: Wild Animals – 10.5.06 HoL WA136 747W, 25.4.06 HoC 974W, 2.5.06 HoC 1309W, 4.5.06 Seals – 2.5.06 HoL WA59 HoC 1734W, 8.5.06 HoC 16W, 12.5.06 HoC 581W, Wild Birds – 25.4.06 HoC 987W 18.5.06 HoC 1123 & 1193W & 23.5.06 HoC 1688W Targets – 26.4.06 HoC 1096W Aviation Greenhouse Gases – 18.5.06 HoC 1117 & 23.5.06 HoC 1692W Aerotoxic Syndrome – 18.4.06 HoC 49W Harmful Gas Emissions – 22.5.06 HoC 1302W Air Safety – 12.5.06 HoC 644W Pollution – 24.4.06 HoC 814W Aircraft Safety – 24.5.06 HoC 1887W Radiative Forcing – 23.5.06 HoC 1695W Airports (Alternative Fuelled Vehicles) – 18.4.06 HoC 50W Waste Treatment – 18.5.06 HoC 1206W Aviation: ADS-B – 24.5.06 HoL WA104 Emergencies – 10.5.06 HoL WA133 Construction Carbon Dioxide Emissions – 2.5.06 HoC 1463W Building Materials (Test Sites) – 18.4.06 HoC 97W European Aviation Safety Agency – 8.5.06 HoC 21W Building Regulations – 19.4.06 HoC 113 Greenhouse Gases – 22.5.06 HoC 1302W Energy Efficiency – 24.4.06 HoC 927W, 8.5.06 HoL WA114 & 10.5.06 HoC 371W Biodiversity and Conservation Solar Power – 24.4.06 HoC 935W Badgers – 24.5.06 HoL WA105 Biological Diversity – 24.4.06 HoC 813W & 9.5.06 HoC Crime 128W Cyber Crime – 18.4.06 HoC 599W Commercial Whaling – 18.5.06 HoC 1196W DNA – 15.5.06 HoC 717W Endangered Species: Hippos – 15.5.06 HoL WA5 Databases – 18.4.06 HoC 445W & 4.5.06 HoC Environmental Liability Directive – 22.5.06 HoC 1298W 1842W Fish – 18.4.06 HoL WA174 Forensic Integration Strategy – 9.5.06 HoC 211W UN Convention on Biological Diversity – 12.5.06 HoC 585W * Forensic Science – adjournment debate – 20.4.06 HoC Western Gray Whales – 3.5.06 HoC 1726W 139WH Whaling – 16.5.06 HoC 853W Forensic Science Service – 26.4.06 HoC 1135W

Biological and Chemical Weapons Defence Biological and Toxin Weapons – 8.5.06 HoC 38W Defence Industrial Strategy – 22.5.06 HoC 1196 Weapons of Mass Destruction – 22.5.06 HoC 1334W Depleted Uranium – 25.4.06 HoC 1022W Drones – 17.5.06 HoC 954W European Union Satellite Centre – 22.5.06 HoC 1326W Biotechnology Fuel Cell Technology – 16.5.06 HoC 869W & 17.5.06 Biotechnology Industry – adjournment debate – 25.4.06 HoC 958W HoC 209WH Gulf War Syndrome – 24.5.06 HoC 1811W GM Crops – 23.5.06 HoC 1915W Human Centrifuge – 27.4.06 HoC 1269W GM Crops/Food – 25.4.06 HoC 976W Nuclear Testing – 27.4.06 HoC 1273W GMOs – 25.4.06 HoC 988W Nuclear Weapons Testing – 17.5.06 HoC 963W Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles – 25.5.06 HoC 1996W Bovine Tuberculosis Badger Casualties (Bovine TB) – 16.5.06 HoC 835W Education Bovine TB – 18.4.06 HoC 18W, 20.4.06 HoC 210, 2.5.06 A-levels – 18.4.06 HoC 149W HoC 1311W, 11.5.06 HoC 409W, 16.5.06 HoL 136, Degree Courses – 18.4.06 HoC 157W 17.5.06 HoL WA35, 22.5.06 HoC 1292W & 25.5.06 HoC * Education: Science and Technology – debate – 20.4.06 1914W HoL 1219 GCSE (Science) – 27.4.06 HoC 700 Schools: Science and Technology – 18.4.06 HoL WA213 Chemicals and Pesticides * Science (UK Universities) – adjournment debate – 3.5.06 Aluminium Salts – 18.4.06 HoC 383W HoC 468WH Ammonium Nitrate Fertiliser – 3.5.06 HoC 1563W Single Sciences – 25.5.06 HoC 1959W Fluoridation – 19.4.06 HoL WA234 Teacher Retirement – 25.5.06 HoC 1611 Food: Organic – 8.5.06 HoL 686 Technology and Engineering Education – 2.5.06 HoC Insect Repellents – 16.5.06 HoC 845W 1380W Perfluorooctane Sulphonate – 16.5.06 HoC 847W, 22.5.06 * Universities: Research and Development – debate – 27.4.06 HoC 1490W & 1583W & 25.5.06 HoC 1916W HoL 275 Pesticides – 18.4.06 HoC 250W & 19.4.06 HoC 662W Science and Technology – 26.4.06 HoL WA36 Safety Directorate – 16.5.06 HoC 46WS University Degrees – 15.5.06 HoC 792W REACH Directive – 25.5.06 HoC 1918W Education – 15.5.06 HoC 793W

48 Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 Energy EU Meetings Alternative Energy – 2.5.06 HoC 1363W Agriculture and Fisheries Council – 25.4.06 HoC 36WS & Biofuels – 11.5.06 HoC 499 & 24.5.06 HoC 1817W 9.5.06 HoC 9WS Biomass – 18.5.06 HoC 1125 Competitiveness Council – 26.4.06 HoL WS15, 25.5.06 Carbon Dioxide – 18.5.06 HoC 1137W HoC 99WS & HoL WS60 Energy – 9.5.06 HoC 155 & 157W Environment Council, Brussels – 19.4.06 HoC 10WS Biofuels – 23.5.06 HoL WA94 EU Education Council – 17.5.06 HoC 58WS & HoL Biomass – 11.5.06 HoL WA153 WS21 Carbon Capture and Storage – 25.4.06 HoL 68 EU: Education Ministers Meeting – 15.5.06 HoL WS1 & Carbon Emissions – 15.5.06 HoL WA6 & 17.5.06 HoC 37WS HoL WA40 Efficiency – 26.4.06 HoC 1098W Fisheries * Efficiency (S&T Report) – 27.4.06 HoL 356 Cetaceans – 2.5.06 HoC 1313W, 4.5.06 HoC 1728W & Hydrogen – 19.5.06 HoL WA70 8.5.06 HoC 10W Nuclear – 24.4.06 HoL 6 Fisheries – 2.5.06 HoC 1514W & 22.5.06 HoC 1299W Policy – 20.4.06 HoC 223 Provision – 8.5.06 HoC 52W & 22.5.06 HoC 1450W Fishing: Salmon – 2.5.06 HoL WA53 Renewable – 15.5.06 HoL 9 Marine Fisheries Agency – 16.5.06 HoC 48WS Review – 23.5.06 HoL 696 Supplies – 4.5.06 HoC 1088 Food and Nutrition EU Energy Policy – 25.4.06 HoC 496 Children: Health – 4.5.06 HoL WA96 * Fuel Cell Technology – 10.5.06 HoC 262W Drinking Water – 3.5.06 HoC 1695W Gas Supply Infrastructure – 16.5.06 HoC 49WS & HoL Food – 3.5.06 HoL WA75 WS8 Education – 11.5.06 HoC 470W * Geothermal Energy – 18.4.06 HoC 607W & 26.4.06 HoC GM – 24.4.06 HoL WA3 & 25.4.06 HoL WA12 1124W Labelling – 18.4.06 HoC 217W Low Carbon Buildings Programme – 18.4.06 HoC 608W Supplements – 4.5.06 HoC 1774W Microgeneration – 3.5.06 HoC 956 Fruit/Vegetable Consumption – 9.5.06 HoC 229W Nuclear Energy – 2.5.06 HoC 1376W Genetically Modified Organisms – 18.4.06 HoC 389W Fusion Plants – 4.5.06 HoC 1740W GM Crops – 12.5.06 HoC 583W Power – 23.5.06 HoC 1635W Malnutrition – 24.4.06 HoC 960W & 4.5.06 HoC 1777W Photovoltaic Industry – 19.4.06 HoC 676W & 26.4.06 Obesity – 10.5.06 HoC 401W HoC 1128W Salt – 18.4.06 HoC 261W Renewable Energy – 26.4.06 HoC 553, 2.5.06 HoC Salt Intake – 24.4.06 HoC 966W & 2.5.06 HoC 1548W 1379W, 10.5.06 HoC 265W, 22.5.06 HoC 1459W & School Food – 18.4.06 HoC 177W & 17.5.06 HoC 977W 24.5.06 HoC 1824W Trans Fatty Acids – 22.5.06 HoC 1590W Severn Estuary Barrage – 3.5.06 HoC 957, 10.5.06 HoC Transfats – 18.4.06 HoC 269W 266W & 22.5.06 HoC 1460W Solar Photovoltaics – 18.4.06 HoC 619W Tallow – 15.5.06 HoL WA13 & 18.5.06 HoC 1205W Health (Cancer) Television Stand-by Switches – 19.4.06 HoC 729W Bowel Cancer – 18.4.06 HoC 190W & HoL WA167, Tidal Energy – 24.4.06 HoC 831W 3.5.06 HoL 459, 8.5.06 HoL WA111, 9.5.06 HoC 134W, Tidal Power – 18.4.06 HoC 621W 10.5.06 HoC 382W, 11.5.06 HoL WA151 & 16.5.06 HoC Uranium – 10.5.06 HoC 268W 971 Wind Farms – 18.4.06 HoC 621W Screening – 25.4.06 HoC 1070W Wind Turbines – 25.5.06 HoC 2068W Breast Cancer – 3.5.06 HoC 1690W Cancer – 18.4.06 HoC 191W, 11.5.06 HoC 440W, 15.5.06 Environment (Pollution) HoC 739W & 22.5.06 HoC 1426W Air Quality (London) – 16.5.06 HoC 832W Rates – 17.5.06 HoC 1068W Emissions – 25.4.06 HoC 975W Treatment – 19.4.06 HoC 686W Nitrogen Dioxide Emissions – 16.5.06 HoC 845W Treatment (Children) – 19.4.06 HoC 732W Smoking – 4.5.06 HoL WA104 Clinical Outcomes – 19.4.06 HoC 688W Waste Management – 2.5.06 HoL WA62 Colon Cancer – 10.5.06 HoC 383W Environment (Protection) Colorectal Cancer – 3.5.06 HoC 1692W Environmental Liability Directive – 23.5.06 HoC 1690W Erythropoietin – 18.4.06 HoC 215W Forest Service Agency – 10.5.06 HoC 28WS & HoL WS56 Herceptin – 18.4.06 HoC 225W, 9.5.06 HoC 201W, Forestry – 27.4.06 HoC 1235W 11.5.06 HoC 555W, 15.5.06 HoC 747W & 16.5.06 HoC Invasive Top Mouth Gudgeon – 18.4.06 HoC 29W 929W Japanese Knotweed – 27.4.06 HoL 251 Lung Cancer – 26.4.06 HoC 1172W & 22.5.06 HoC Marine Environment – 24.5.06 HoC 88WS 1568W Oak Trees – 22.5.06 HoC 1307W Malignant Disease – 19.4.06 HoC 738W Ring Rot – 25.4.06 HoC 984W Multiple Myeloma – 3.5.06 HoC 1704W Sonar (Marine Mammals) – 18.4.06 HoC 12W Ovarian Cancer – 10.5.06 HoC 403W Trees – 22.5.06 HoC 1403W Photodynamic Therapy – 9.5.06 HoC 238W

Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 49 Prostate Cancer – 24.4.06 HoC 965W & 9.5.06 HoC HIV/AIDS – adjournment debate – 11.5.06 HoC 149WH 135W Malaria – 15.5.06 HoC 672W Skin Cancer – 18.4.06 HoC 397W Pharmaceutical Industry – 3.5.06 HoC 1557W SunSmart Campaign – 16.5.06 HoC 839 Poliomyelitis (Nigeria) – 4.5.06 HoC 1793W Health (General) Health (Service) Alternative Medicine – 18.4.06 HoC 7 Bone Marrow Donors – 27.4.06 HoC 1296W Autism – 22.5.06 HoC 1445W Hepatitis C: Contaminated Blood Products – 19.4.06 HoL Biotinidase Deficiency – 2.5.06 HoC 1471W 1054 Chronic Hepatitis B – 19.4.06 HoC 733W Isolation Wards – 11.5.06 HoC 556W Complementary Medicine – 27.4.06 HoC 1298W MRSA – 26.4.06 HoC 1215W Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy – 11.5.06 HoC 554W National Physical Laboratory – 18.4.06 HoC 243W Electrical Fields (Childhood Illness) – 12.5.06 HoC 608W Post-operative Infections – 12.5.06 HoC 615W Electromagnetic Field – 23.5.06 HoC 1743W Embryonic Stem Cells (Teeth) – 15.5.06 HoC 745W Health (Vaccines) Endometriosis – 4.5.06 HoC 1773W BCG Vaccinations – 18.4.06 HoC 189W & 384W, 26.4.06 Enzyme Replacement Therapy – 9.5.06 HoC 229W HoC 1203W, 3.5.06 HoC 1690W & 22.5.06 HoC 1551W Fluoridation – 3.5.06 HoC 1695W Chronic Hepatitis B – 18.4.06 HoC 385W Fluoride – 18.4.06 HoL WA177 DNA Vaccine – 18.4.06 HoC 212W Folic Acid – 3.5.06 HoC 1696W & 4.5.06 HoC 1774W MMR Vaccination – 3.5.06 HoC 1704W, 12.5.06 HoC Health: Research – 24.5.06 HoL WA106 613W & 23.5.06 HoC 1755W Home Treatment – 15.5.06 HoC 749W Prevenar – 3.5.06 HoC 1707W Human Tissue Authority – 16.5.06 HoC 48WS & HoL Vaccinations (Schools) – 25.4.06 HoC 1086W WS15 Vaccines – 2.5.06 HoC 1552W Infant Pain – 27.4.06 HoC 1303W Medical Research – debate – 11.5.06 HoL 1103 Identity Cards Meningitis – 12.5.06 HoC 612W Biometric Data – 18.4.06 HoC 281W Migraine – 25.5.06 HoC 2004W Identity Card Scheme – adjournment debate – 10.5.06 Myalgic Encephalomyelitis – 18.4.06 HoC 391W, 11.5.06 HoC 131WH HoC 556W, 22.5.06 HoC 1569W & 25.5.06 HoC 1932W Identity Cards – 24.4.06 HoC 853W, 9.5.06 HoC 212W & Obesity – 18.5.06 HoC 1176W & 22.5.06 HoC 1580W 10.5.06 HoC 321W Parkinson’s Disease – 4.5.06 HoL 660 Parkinson’s Disease – adjournment debate – 25.4.06 HoC Industry 239WH Manufacturing: Motor Vehicles – 22.5.06 HoL WA84 Power Lines (Advisory Group Report) – 22.5.06 HoC UK Aerospace Industry – 4.5.06 HoC 1097 1584W Psoriasis – 9.5.06 HoC 240W Information Technology Streptococcal Diseases – 18.4.06 HoC 265W Cyber Security – 2.5.06 HoC 833 E-learning – 17.5.06 HoC 973W Health (Influenza) Information Technology – 2.5.06 HoC 831 & 22.5.06 HoC Anti-viral Influenza Drugs – 18.4.06 HoC 188W 1431W Avian Influenza – 18.4.06 HoC 384W, 2.5.06 HoC 1394W & 22.5.06 HoC 1551W Intellectual Property Influenza – 18.4.06 HoC 229W Genetic Resources – 24.5.06 HoC 1781W Pandemic – 8.5.06 HoL WA116 Patents – 22.5.06 HoC 1262W & 1456W Vaccination (Influenza) – 18.4.06 HoC 375W Traditional Knowledge – 24.5.06 HoC 1786W Health (Information Technology) International Development Information Technology – 25.5.06 HoC 2003W Africa: Climate Change – 16.5.06 HoL WS7 & HoC 48WS IT Interoperability – 16.5.06 HoC 938W & 17.5.06 HoC Environmental Sustainability – 10.5.06 HoC 248W 1101W Farming (India) – 11.5.06 HoC 461W IT Reviews – 16.5.06 HoC 939W Renewable Energy – 20.4.06 HoC 770W National Programme for IT – 16.5.06 HoC 831 & 24.5.06 Water and Sanitation – 4.5.06 HoC 1795W HoC 1879W Water Strategies – 15.5.06 HoC 676W NHS IT Programme – 16.5.06 HoC 943W, 17.5.06 HoC 1113W & 23.5.06 HOC 1758W Medicines and Drugs Adverse Drug Reactions – 2.5.06 HoC 1529W & 15.5.06 Health (International Development) HoC 736W Avian Influenza – 18.4.06 HoC 523W Alzheimer’s Disease – 25.4.06 HoC 1069W & 3.5.06 HoC Birth Defects – 3.5.06 HoL WA67 1689W Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria – 23.5.06 HoC Animal Insulin – 19.4.06 HoC 732W 1614W Anti-depressants – 23.5.06 HoC 1738W HIV/AIDS – 10.5.06 HoC 248W & 295 Biomedicine and Human Rights – 27.4.06 HoL WA39

50 Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 Cannabis-based Medicine – 15.5.06 HoC 740W Mill Hill Research Centre – 18.4.06 HoC 610W Clinical Trial: TEN1412 – 25.5.06 HoC 94WS & HoL * Nano Materials – 24.5.06 HoL 819 WS57 National Institute for Health Research – 18.4.06 HoC Clinical Trials – 18.4.06 HoC 386W, 19.4.06 HoC 734W 555W & HoL WS141 & 2.5.06 HoC 1533W Natural Environment Research Council – 10.5.06 HoC Combined Contraceptive Pill – 22.5.06 HoC 1555W 263W Diabetes – 3.5.06 HoC 1694W & 15.5.06 HoC 745W Neutron Facilities – 18.4.06 HoC 615W Diet-drug Interactions – 26.4.06 HoC 1211W Nuclear Research – 2.5.06 HoC 1377W Generic Drugs – 18.4.06 HoC 218W Research and Development – 10.5.06 HoC 266W Gonadotropin Products – 26.4.06 HoC 557 Research Studies (Home Office) – 17.5.06 HoC 1053W Holly’s Law – 3.5.06 HoC 1701W Science Cities – 22.5.06 HoC 1400W Insulin – 17.5.06 HoC 1100W, 22.5.06 HoC 1568W & Science: Research – 11.5.06 HoL WA155 23.5.06 HoC 1753W Sub-Auroral Magnetometer Network – 12.5.06 HoC 578W Analogues – 3.5.06 HoC 1702W Veterinary Laboratories Agency – 16.5.06 HoC 47WS Supplies – 12.5.06 HoC 611W & 15.5.06 HoC 750W Veterinary Medicines Directorate – 16.5.06 HoC 46WS Mannitol – 16.5.06 HoC 941W Medicine Reviews – 26.4.06 HoC 1214W Space Medicines and Health Products Regulatory Agency – Astronomy Projects – 24.4.06 HoC 822W 19.4.06 HoC 13WS & 740W, 4.5.06 HoC 1778W & EU Extremely Large Telescope – 10.5.06 HoC 260W & 11.5.06 HoC 556W 16.5.06 HoC 854W Medicines Review Processes – 15.5.06 HoC 751W Global Monitoring for Environment and Security – 18.5.06 Medicines: Over-the-Counter – 23.5.06 HoL WS39 HoC 1137W & 23.5.06 HoC 1692W Misoprostol – 4.5.06 HoC 1780W NovoRapid – 18.4.06 HoC 394W Sustainable Development Oxycodone Hydrochloride – 25.5.06 HoC 2008W Carbon Dioxide Emissions – 18.5.06 HoC 1131 Pharmaceutical Industry – 18.4.06 HoC 251W Fisheries Agreements – 23.5.06 HoC 1690W Prescription Medicines – 15.5.06 HoC 757W Fishing and Logging Policies – debate – 24.5.06 HoL 895 Selective Seratonin Re-uptake Inhibitors – 18.4.06 HoC Sustainable Development – 24.5.06 HoC 1822W 262W Strattera – 15.5.06 HoC 757W Telecommunications and Broadcasting Digital Switchover – 26.4.06 HoC 1132W Nuclear and Radiation Hazards Digital Television – 2.5.06 HoC 1354W Chernobyl – 15.5.06 HoC 740W Mobile Telephony – 18.5.06 HoC 1173W Electricity Cables – 25.4.06 HoC 1074W Electricity Pylons – 19.4.06 HoC 736W Transport Nuclear Decommissioning – 26.4.06 HoC 1126W & Biodiesel – 24.4.06 HoC 832W 2.5.06 HoC 1376W Biofuels – 9.5.06 HoL WA126 & 10.5.06 HoC 275W Equipment (Waste) - 20.4.06 HoC 768W Carbon Emissions – 18.4.06 HoC 16W Fuel (Transportation) – 2.5.06 HoC 1376W Climate Change – 19.4.06 HoC 699W Incidents – 2.5.06 HoC 1377W Ethanol – 8.5.06 HoC 19W & 12.5.06 HoC 574W Powered Submarines – 25.5.06 HoC 1992W Intelligent Speed Adaptation – 3.5.06 HoC 1581W Rail Freight – 25.5.06 HoC 1951W Lower Emission Vehicles – 24.4.06 HoC 876W Waste – 26.4.06 HoC 1127W & 25.5.06 HoC 1916W Road Pricing – 24.5.06 HoC 1901W Waste Storage – 24.5.06 HoC 1820W Transport Infrastructure Projects – 24.5.06 HoC 1906W Public Health: High-voltage Power Lines – 25.4.06 HoL Vehicle Emissions – 2.5.06 HoC 829 WA18 Thorp Nuclear Reprocessing Plant – 2.5.06 HoC 1382W Waste UK Atomic Energy Authority – 16.5.06 HoC 856W Cement Kilns – 18.4.06 HoC 19W CFC Recovery – 20.4.06 HoC 749W Science Policy Composting – adjournment debate – 9.5.06 HoC 58WH Agricultural and Environmental Research – 3.5.06 HoC Hazardous Waste – 2.5.06 HoC 1316W 955 Mobile Telephones – 18.4.06 HoC 31W Central Science Laboratory – 16.5.06 HoC 47WS Recycling – 25.4.06 HoC 978W Centre for Ecology and Hydrology – 11.5.06 HoC 493 Recycling/Composting – 2.5.06 HoC 1319W Energy and Environment Research Institute – 11.5.06 HoC Waste – 25.4.06 HoC 985W 439W Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive – Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research – 23.5.06 HoC 1637W 18.4.06 HoC 29W & 18.5.06 HoC 1202W Incinerators – 18.4.06 HoC 35W Medical Research – 19.4.06 HoC 739W Council – 18.4.06 HoC 610W Water Council Merger – 18.4.06 HoC 553W Fluoridation – 18.4.06 HoC 216W Facilities – 18.4.06 HoC 610W Water Supply – 17.5.06 HoC 999 & HoL 272

Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 51 Euro-News Commentary on science and technology within the European Parliament and the Commission

Breast Cancer Research Initiative schemes, and his hope is that clinical trials will A manifesto to support breast cancer research and not be affected by the recent drug trials tragedy in the improve standards of patient care has been presented to United Kingdom. Some 1400 drugs have been approved doctors, nurses, patients and advocacy groups at the in the last 25 years and that 10 times that number have European breast cancer conference in Nice, France. been tested in phase 1 studies. Referring to a recent Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting incident in the UK in which six men suffered multiple women in Europe. Europe is now 500 million strong, organ failure when participating in a trial, Dr Yamada and more than half of these are women, of whom at least said: “This is the first time that this has ever happened, 1 in 10 will experience breast cancer (ie > 25 million and it is my guess that it wouldn’t happen again in women). Breast cancer research is under threat due to another 25 years. There is always a risk, but we take insufficient funding in many European countries and huge precautions.” studies which answer important clinical questions and Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) which have the potential to increase knowledge of the Budget biological and genetic basis of the disease should be given Although the final figure for the FP7 budget is yet to be priority.. agreed it will include an extra €300 million. The total Venus Express meets its target extra therefore going to research and education, including € The European Space Agency’s (ESA) Venus Express probe FP7 funding is 2100 million over the 2007 to 2014 has successfully gone into orbit around its target – the timeframe. However, Members of the European Earth’s “sister planet” Venus – after a five month journey Parliament (MEPs) were quick to express disappointment of 415 million km. The probe was tracked right up to the at the low level of funding for research point where it met the Venutian atmosphere and began a Research Funding by Charitable 50-minute engine burn to slow the probe and Foundations successfully place it into position in the Venutian The contribution of charitable foundations and other atmosphere. non-profit organisations to funding R&D in Europe Women in Science could be significantly increased by sharing experiences When one considers women in science, very few have and co-operating at a European level, which currently reached the heights achieved by Susan Greenfield – remains very low. This is unlike the US where the non- € Director of the Royal Institution of Great Britain, profit sector accounted for almost 13000 million (or Fullerian Professor of Physiology at Oxford, Baroness, 4.5%) of overall investment in R&D in 2003. The UK is and recipient of the French Legion d’Honneur, which is a notable exception where the donation culture is well of course precisely the problem. She has seen no developed and organisations such as the Wellcome Trust evidence so far of beneficial outcomes for women in and Cancer Research UK invest significant amounts. The science trickling down from the EU to UK grassroots. Commision has established an expert group to produce a However, there is a new EU funded initiative to bring report on The role of foundations and the non-profit sector in together the many existing organisations and networks in boosting R&D investment, which was published in Europe under a single European Platform of Women September 2005. The Commissioner is supporting one of Scientists (EPWS). If the voices of women scientists are to the recommendations of the report – the establishment of be heard at European level, these networks need to work a European Forum of Research Foundations. together, and to put forward their needs and observations Information and Communications in a succinct and co-ordinated fashion. According to Technology (ICT) Professor Greenfield, we will only know when real It is essential that the share of the EU research budget progress is being made “when young women choose not devoted to ICT is not reduced further during negotiations to give up on science – that’s the goal.” on financial aspects according to Viviane Reding, Innovative Medicines Information Society and Media Commissioner. Those The chairman of R&D at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Dr nations that master the development of ICT will be the Tachi Yamada, has spoken of the company’s commitment best positioned to benefit from it in their economy and to the EU’s technology platform and Joint Technology society.

52 Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 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 2006/354: Newcastle disease in Bulgaria – Commission Regulation 780/2006: organic production OJL132(p34)19.5.06 of agricultural products – OJL137(p9)25.5.06 Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee: Commission Decisions: animal health requirements for aquaculture animals – 2006/335: authorising Poland to prohibit use of 16 OJC88(p13)11.4.06 genetically modified varieties of maize – OJL124(p26)11.5.06 2006/338: authorising Poland to prohibit use of certain Aviation varieties of maize – OJL125(p31)12.5.06 Council Directive 2006/23: Air traffic controller licence Second call for Proposals: Community programme on – OJL114(p22)27.4.06 genetic resources in agriculture – OJC102(p15)28.4.06 Commission Regulations: 730/2006: airspace classification – OJL128(p3)16.5.06 736/2006: inspections by European Aviation Safety Animals and Veterinary Matters Agency – OJL129(p10)17.5.06 Commission Regulations: 768/2006: information on the safety of aircraft – 688/2006: monitoring of TSEs and specified risk OJL134(p16)20.5.06 material in Sweden – OJL120(p10)5.5.06 699/2006: access for poultry to open-air runs: OJL121(p36)6.5.06 Chemicals 773/2006: additives in feedingstuffs – Commission Directive 2006/50: placing biocidal OJL135(p3)23.5.06 products on the market – OJL142(p6)30.5.06 776/2006: Community reference laboratories – Commission Regulations: OJL136(p3)24.5.06 565/2006: testing and information requirements on Commission Decisions: certain priority substances – OJL99(p3)7.4.06 2006/266: protection measures in relation to avian 777/2006: export and import of dangerous chemicals – influenza in Israel – OJ L96(p10)5.4.06 OJL136(p9)24.5.06 2006/268: bluetongue in Italy – OJL98(p75)6.4.06 Commission Decisions: 2006/273: bluetongue in Spain – OJL99(p35)7.4.06 2006/257: inventory and common nomenclature of 2006/274: swine fever in Germany – OJL99(p36)7.4.06 ingredients used in cosmetic products – 2006/277: protection measures in relation to avian OJL97(p1)5.4.06 influenza in wild birds in the Community – 2006/275: occupational exposure to chemical agents – OJL103(p29)12.4.06 OJL101(p4)11.4.06 2006/282: programmes for the eradication and control 2006/347: cadmium in fertilisers: Sweden – of TSEs – OJL104(p40)13.4.06 OJL129(p19)17.5.06 2006/290: bovine TB and bovine leukosis: Italy and 2006/348: cadmium in fertilisers: Finland – Slovakia – OJL106(p21)19.4.06 OJL129(p25)17.5.06 2006/293: avian influenza – OJL107(p44)20.4.06 2006/349: cadmium in fertilisers: Austria – 2006/297: classical swine fever in Germany – OJL129(p31)17.5.06 OJL108(p31)21.4.06 2006/350: methyl bromide – OJL130(p29)18.5.06 2006/306: classical swine fever in Germany – Commission Communication on results of risk OJL113(p6)27.4.06 evaluation and reduction strategies for certain 2006/314: Member States’ survey programme for avian substances – OJC90(p4)13.4.06 influenza in 2006 – OJL116(p61)29.4.06 2006/321: avian flu in Romania, Turkey and Croatia – OJL118(p18)3.5.06 Energy and Nuclear Industries 2006/327: classical swine fever in certain Member Council Directive 2006/32: Energy end-use efficiency and States – OJL120(p24)5.5.06 energy services –OJL114(p64)27.4.06 2006/328: classical swine fever in Germany – Opinions of the Economic and Social Committee: OJL120(p25)5.5.06 Energy Efficiency – OJC88(p53)11.4.06 2006/346: classical swine fever in Germany – Regrowing raw materials – OJC110(p49)9.5.06 OJL128(p10)16.5.06 Wood as an energy source – OJC110(p60)9.5.06

Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 53 Environment Call for proposals: Community co-operation against Commission Regulation 605/2006: suspending marine pollution – OJC118(p47)19.5.06 introduction into the Community of specimens of certain wild flora and fauna – OJL107(p3)20.4.06 Mining and Minerals Call for proposals: Environmental Protection – Council Directive 2006/21: management of waste from corrigendum – OJC112(p13)12.5.06 extractive industries – OJL102(p15)11.4.06

Education and Training Plants and their Protection Products Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee: Commission Directives: transnational mobility for education and training – 2006/39: including 5 active substances – OJC88(p20)11.4.06 OJL104(p30)13.4.06 2006/45: specification of propoxycarbazone – OJL130(p27)18.5.06 Fisheries 2006/47: presence of Avena fatua in cereal seed – Council Regulations: OJL136(p18)24.5.06 700/2006: fishing licences – OJL122(p1)9.5.06 Commission Decision 2006/302: withdrawal of 764/2006: Fisheries Partnership Agreement with methabenzthiazuron – OJL112(p15)26.4.06 Morocco – OJL141(p1)29.5.06 Commission Regulations: Public Health and Pharmaceuticals 549/2006: prohibition of fishing for Northern prawn in Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee: certain waters – OJL96(p3)5.4.06 Community action in the field of health and consumer 556/2006: prohibition of fishing for herring in certain protection – OJC88(p1)11.4.06 waters by Polish vessels – OJL98(p63)6.4.06 614/2006: prohibition of fishing for black scabbardfish in certain waters by French vessels – Science Policy OJL108(p3)21.4.06 Council Decision 2006/365: Scientific and Technical 636/2006: prohibition of fishing for herring by French co-operation: Switzerland – OJL135(p13)23.5.06 vessels – OJL112(p10)26.4.06 Commission Information: Aid to small and medium- 742/2006: adapting certain fish quotas for 2006 – sized enterprises for research and development – OJL130(p7)18.5.06 OJC105(p2)4.5.06 Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee: Call for Proposals to Support European Co-operation in Community approach towards eco-labelling of fisheries the field of Scientific and Technical Research – products – OJC88(p27)11.4.06 OJC93(p1)21.4.06 Transport Food Council Decisions: Commission Regulation 627/2006: analytical methods 2006/363: wheels for passenger cars and trailers – for sampling etc of primary smoke products – OJL135(p11)23.5.06 OJL109(p3)22.4.06 2006/364: adaptive front lighting systems for motor Commission Decision 2006/330: conditions and vehicles – OJL135(p12)23.5.06 certificates for imports of meat products from third Commission Decision 2006/368: frontal protection countries – OJL121(p43)6.5.06 systems on motor vehicles – OJL140(p33)29.5.06 Court of Auditors: special report 6/2005 on trans- IT, Telecommunications and Broadcasting European network for Transport – OJC94(p1)21.4.06 Commission Information: Uniform applicaton of the Combined Nomenclature – OJC98(p2)26.4.06 Waste Council Directive 2006/12: Waste – Marine and Maritime OJL114(p9)27.4.06 Council Directive 2005/35: ship-source pollution Commission Decision 2006/329: questionnaire on (Corrigendum) – OJL105(p65)13.4.06 incineration of waste – OJL121(p38)6.5.06

54 Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 Science Directory DIRECTORY INDEX

Aerospace and Aviation Chemistry British Association for the University of Newcastle upon Tyne SEMTA CCLRC Advancement of Science The Nutrition Society University of East Anglia British Ecological Society Royal Society of Chemistry Agriculture Institution of Chemical Engineers British Pharmacological Society SCI BBSRC LGC British Society for Antimicrobial Society for General Microbiology CABI Bioscience University of Leeds Chemotherapy Campden & Chorleywood Food London Metropolitan Polymer CABI Bioscience Forensics Research Association Centre Campden & Chorleywood Food LGC Royal Society of Chemistry Institute of Biology University of Newcastle upon Tyne Research Association LGC Royal Institution Clifton Scientific Trust Royal Society of Chemistry Economic and Social Research Genetics University of Newcastle upon Tyne ABPI SCI SCI Council Engineering and Physical Sciences BBSRC Society for General Microbiology University of East Anglia UFAW Colloid Science Research Council London Metropolitan Polymer Institute of Biology HFEA LGC Animal Health and Welfare, Centre Institute of Mathematics and its Royal Society of Chemistry Applications University of Newcastle upon Tyne Veterinary Research Institute of Physics ABPI Construction and Building Institution of Chemical Engineers Geographical Information Academy of Medical Sciences Institution of Civil Engineers Institution of Engineering and Systems British Veterinary Association London Metropolitan Polymer Technology University of East Anglia Cefas Centre LGC University of Leeds The Nutrition Society University of Newcastle upon Tyne London Metropolitan Polymer UFAW SCI Centre Geology and Geoscience AMSI NESTA University of East Anglia Astronomy and Space Science Cosmetic Science University of Newcastle upon Tyne Institution of Civil Engineers CCLRC Society of Cosmetic Scientists Royal Institution Natural Environment Research PPARC The Royal Society Council Earth Sciences Royal Statistical Society Atmospheric Sciences, Climate University of East Anglia SEMTA and Weather Hazard and Risk Mitigation English Nature Institution of Chemical Engineers CCLRC University of Leeds Energy University of East Anglia CCLRC Health Natural Environment Research Ecology, Environment and Institution of Chemical Engineers ABPI Council Biodiversity Institution of Civil Engineers Biochemical Society University of Newcastle upon Tyne AMSI Institution of Engineering and Academy of Medical Sciences British Ecological Society Technology British Pharmacological Society Biotechnology CABI Bioscience University of Newcastle upon Tyne British Society for Antimicrobial BBSRC Cefas SCI Chemotherapy Biochemical Society University of East Anglia University of East Anglia Campden & Chorleywood Food Economic and Social Research Engineering Economic and Social Research Research Association Council CCLRC Council University of East Anglia English Nature Engineering and Physical Sciences HFEA Institute of Biology Environment Agency Research Council Institute of Physics and Engineering LGC Freshwater Biological Association Institution of Chemical Engineers in Medicine University of Leeds Institute of Biology Institution of Civil Engineers LGC National Physical Laboratory Institution of Chemical Engineers Institution of Engineering and Medical Research Council University of Newcastle upon Tyne Institution of Civil Engineers Technology University of Newcastle upon Tyne Royal Society of Chemistry LGC University of Leeds The Nutrition Society University of Leeds London Metropolitan Polymer SCI Royal Institution Natural Environment Research Centre Society for General Microbiology Royal Society of Chemistry Council Royal Academy of Engineering Society for General Microbiology University of Newcastle upon Tyne SCI Brain Research Royal Botanic Gardens Kew SEMTA Heart Research ABPI Royal Society of Chemistry ABPI Merck Sharp & Dohme SCI Fisheries Research University of Newcastle upon Tyne Society for General Microbiology AMSI Hydrocarbons and Petroleum University of Surrey Cefas University of Newcastle upon Tyne Cancer Research Freshwater Biological Association Royal Society of Chemistry ABPI Economic and Social Research University of East Anglia Economic and Social Research Food and Food Technology Industrial Policy and Research University of Leeds Council CABI Bioscience AIRTO University of Newcastle upon Tyne University of Leeds Campden & Chorleywood Food CCLRC University of Newcastle upon Tyne Research Association Economic and Social Research Catalysis Institute of Biology Council University of East Anglia Education, Training and Skills Institution of Chemical Engineers Institution of Civil Engineers Institution of Chemical Engineers ABPI LGC Royal Academy of Engineering Royal Society of Chemistry Academy of Medical Sciences University of Leeds SCI

Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 55 Information Services Motor Vehicles Public Policy The Science Council AIRTO University of Leeds British Society for Antimicrobial UFAW CABI Bioscience London Metropolitan Polymer Chemotherapy Centre Economic and Social Research Seed Protection IT, Internet, Telecommunications, SEMTA Council CABI Bioscience Computing and Electronics HFEA CCLRC Oceanography NESTA Sensors and Transducers University of East Anglia AMSI Prospect AMSI Engineering and Physical Sciences Cefas CCLRC Research Council Natural Environment Research Public Understanding of Science Institution of Engineering and Council Academy of Medical Sciences SSSIs Technology Biochemical Society English Nature University of Leeds Oil British Association for the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew University of Newcastle upon Tyne Institution of Chemical Engineers Advancement of Science University of Surrey LGC British Society for Antimicrobial Statistics Chemotherapy Royal Statistical Society Particle Physics Intellectual Property Clifton Scientific Trust CCLRC ABPI University of East Anglia Surface Science University of Leeds Engineering and Physical Sciences CCLRC The Chartered Institute of Patent PPARC Attorneys Research Council HFEA Sustainability NESTA Patents University of Newcastle upon Tyne Institute of Biology British Ecological Society The Chartered Institute of Patent Institute of Physics CABI Bioscience Attorneys Institution of Chemical Engineers Cefas Large-Scale Research Facilities NESTA Campden & Chorleywood Food Institution of Engineering and University of East Anglia Research Association Technology English Nature Pharmaceuticals Medical Research Council Environment Agency CCLRC ABPI London Metropolitan Polymer NESTA Institution of Chemical Engineers British Pharmacological Society Prospect Institution of Civil Engineers Centre British Society for Antimicrobial PPARC Royal Academy of Engineering London Metropolitan Polymer Chemotherapy Royal Institution Centre University of East Anglia The Royal Society University of Newcastle upon Tyne Lasers Institution of Chemical Engineers Royal Society of Chemistry SCI CCLRC LGC Merck Sharp & Dohme Quality Management Technology Transfer Management Royal Society of Chemistry Campden & Chorleywood Food CABI Bioscience University of Leeds SCI Research Association Campden & Chorleywood Food Physical Sciences LGC Research Association Manufacturing CCLRC ABPI Cavendish Laboratory Engineering and Physical Sciences Radiation Hazards LGC AMSI Cefas University of Leeds Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council London Metropolitan Polymer HPA Radiation Protection Division London Metropolitan Polymer Research Council Centre University of Leeds Centre National Physical Laboratory Retail NESTA London Metropolitan Polymer Marks and Spencer National Physical Laboratory Centre PPARC SCI Physics Satellite Engineering Tropical Medicine University of Surrey Society for General Microbiology Materials Cavendish Laboratory Institute of Physics CCLRC University of Leeds Science Policy Viruses University of Leeds National Physical Laboratory ABPI ABPI London Metropolitan Polymer PPARC Academy of Medical Sciences Society for General Microbiology Centre Biochemical Society National Physical Laboratory Physiology British Association for the Water University of Leeds Advancement of Science AMSI Mathematics British Pharmacological Society Campden & Chorleywood Food Institute of Mathematics and its Pollution and Waste Cefas Research Association Applications ABPI Clifton Scientific Trust Cefas University of Leeds AMSI Economic and Social Research University of East Anglia CABI Bioscience Council Environment Agency Medical and Biomedical Research Cefas Engineering and Physical Sciences Freshwater Biological Association ABPI University of East Anglia Research Council Institution of Chemical Engineers Academy of Medical Sciences Environment Agency HFEA Institution of Civil Engineers Biochemical Society Institution of Chemical Engineers Institute of Physics LGC British Pharmacological Society Institution of Civil Engineers Institution of Chemical Engineers Royal Society of Chemistry British Society for Antimicrobial London Metropolitan Polymer LGC SCI Chemotherapy Centre Medical Research Council Society for General Microbiology University of East Anglia Natural Environment Research NESTA HFEA Council The Nutrition Society Wildlife University of Leeds University of Newcastle upon Tyne Prospect British Ecological Society Medical Research Council Royal Academy of Engineering University of East Anglia University of Newcastle upon Tyne Psychology Royal Institution English Nature University of Surrey British Psychological Society The Royal Society Institute of Biology UFAW University of Leeds Royal Society of Chemistry UFAW

56 Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 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 ABPI is the voice of the innovative pharmaceutical industry, working with Government, E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.acmedsci.ac.uk regulators and other stakeholders to promote a Website: www.maritimeindustries.org receptive environment for a strong and progressive The Academy of Medical Sciences promotes industry in the UK, one capable of providing the best advances in medical science and campaigns to medicines to patients. AMSI is a constituent association of the Society of ensure these are converted as quickly as The ABPI’s mission is to represent the pharmaceutical possible into healthcare benefits for society. The industry operating in the UK in a way that: Maritime Industries; the other associations are: Academy’s eight hundred Fellows are the United ● assures patient access to the best available Association of British Offshore Industries (ABOI) Kingdom’s leading medical scientists from medicine; hospitals, academia, industry and the public ● creates a favourable political and economic British Marine Equipment Association (BMEA) 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 Biochemical Biotechnology

Contact: Professor Richard Brook Society and Biological AIRTO Ltd: Association of Independent Research & Technology Organisations Limited Contact: Dr Chris Kirk Sciences c/o CCFRA, Station Road, Chipping Campden, Chief Executive, Gloucestershire GL55 6LD. Research Council 16 Procter Street, London WC1V 6NX Tel: 01386 842247 Contact: Dr Monica Winstanley, Tel: 020 7280 4133 Fax: 020 7280 4170 Fax: 01386 842010 Head of External Relations E-mail: [email protected] Email: [email protected] BBSRC, Polaris House, North Star Avenue Website: www.airto.co.uk Website: www.biochemistry.org Swindon SN2 1UH. Tel: 01793 413204 AIRTO represents the UK’s independent The Biochemical Society exists to promote and support E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.bbsrc.ac.uk research and technology sector - member the Molecular and Cellular Biosciences. We have nearly organisations employ a combined staff of over 6000 members in the UK and abroad, mostly research The BBSRC is the UK’s leading funding agency for 10,000 scientists and engineers with a bioscientists in Universities or in Industry. The Society academic research in the non-medical life sciences and is also a major scientific publisher. In addition, we is funded principally through the Science Budget of the turnover in the region of £1.5 billion. Work promote Science Policy debate and provide resources, Office of Science and Innovation. It supports staff in carried out by members includes research, for teachers and pupils, to support the bioscience universities and research institutes throughout the UK, consultancy, training and global information curriculum in schools. Our membership supports our and funds basic and strategic science in: agri-food, monitoring. AIRTO promotes their work by mission by organizing scientific meetings, sustaining animal sciences, biomolecular sciences, biochemistry building closer links between members and our publications through authorship and peer review and cell biology, engineering and biological systems, industry, academia, UK government agencies and by supporting our educational and policy genes and developmental biology, and plant and and the European Union. initiatives. microbial sciences.

British British Association Ecological for the Advancement Society Contact: Nick Dusic, Science Policy Manager Contact: Sarah-Jane Stagg British Ecological Society of Science - the BA British Pharmacological Society 26 Blades Court, Deodar Road, Putney, 16 Angel Gate, City Road Contact: Sir Roland Jackson Bt, Chief Executive London, SW15 2NU London EC1V 2SG The BA, Wellcome Wolfson Building, Tel: 020 8871 9797 Fax : 020 8871 9779 Tel: 020 7417 0113 165 Queen’s Gate, London SW7 5HD. E-mail: [email protected] Fax: 020 7417 0114 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.BritishEcologicalSociety.org Email: [email protected] Website: www.the-BA.net The British Ecological Society promotes the Website: www.bps.ac.uk The BA is the UK’s nationwide, open membership science of ecology worldwide. The Society has organisation dedicated to connecting people with 4,000 members who are active in advancing the The British Pharmacological Society has now been science, so that science and its applications become science and application of ecology. supporting pharmacology and pharmacologists accessible to all. The BA aims to promote openness The BES publishes four internationally renowned for 75 years. Our 2,400 members, from about science in society and to engage and inspire scientific journals and organises the largest academia, industry and clinical practice, are people directly with science and technology and their scientific meeting for ecologists in Europe. The trained to study drug action from the laboratory implications. BES also supports ecologists in developing bench to the patient’s bedside. Our aim is to Established in 1831, the BA organises major initiatives countries and fieldwork in schools improve the quality of life by developing new across the UK, including the annual BA Festival of through its grants. medicines to treat and prevent the diseases and Science, National Science Week, programmes of The BES informs and advises Parliament and conditions that affect millions of people and regional and local events, and an extensive programme Government on ecological issues and welcomes animals. Inquiries about drugs and how they for young people in schools and colleges. requests for assistance from parliamentarians. work are welcome.

Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 57 British Society British Veterinary The for Antimicrobial Association British Chemotherapy Contact:Chrissie Nicholls 7 Mansfield Street, London W1G 9NQ Psychological Society Contact: Tracey Guest, Executive Officer Tel: 020 7636 6541 British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy Contact: Christine O’Rourke Fax: 020 7637 4769 11 The Wharf, 16 Bridge Street, Parliamentary Officer E-mail:[email protected] Birmingham B1 2JS. The British Psychological Society www.bva.co.uk St Andrews House, 48 Princess Road East Tel: 0121 633 0410 BVA’s chief interests are: Fax: 0121 643 9497 Leicester LE1 7DR * Standards of animal health Tel: 0116 252 9917 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.bsac.org.uk * Veterinary surgeons’ working practices Fax: 0116 252 9929 * Professional standards and quality of service E mail: [email protected] Founded in 1971, and with 800 members * Relationships with external bodies, particulary Website: www.bps.org.uk worldwide, the Society exists to facilitate the government acquisition and dissemination of knowledge in The British Psychological Society is an the field of antimicrobial chemotherapy. The BVA carries out three main functions which are: organisation of over 42,000 members governed BSAC publishes the Journal of Antimicrobial * Policy development in areas affecting the by Royal Charter. It maintains the Register of profession Chartered Psychologists, publishes books, 10 Chemotherapy (JAC), internationally renowned for primary science Journals and organises its scientific excellence, undertakes a range of * Protecting and promoting the profession in conferences. Requests for information about educational activities, awards grants for research matters propounded by government and other psychology and psychologists from and has active relationships with its peer groups external bodies parliamentarians are welcome. and government. * Provision of services to members

Campden & Cavendish Chorleywood Laboratory CABI Food Research The Administrative Secretary, The Cavendish Laboratory, Contact: Dr Joan Kelley, Executive J J Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK. Director, CABI Association E-mail: [email protected] http://www.phy.cam.ac.uk Bakeham Lane, Egham, Surrey TW20 9TY Contact: Prof Colin Dennis, Director-General Tel: 01491 829306 Fax: 01491 829100 CCFRA, Chipping Campden, The Cavendish Laboratory houses the Department of Physics of Email: [email protected] Gloucestershire GL55 6LD. the University of Cambridge. Tel: 01386 842000 Fax: 01386 842100 Website: www.cabi.org Its world-class research is focused in a number of experimental E-mail: [email protected] and theoretical diverse fields. Website: www.campden.co.uk CABI brings together and applies scientific Astrophysics: Millimetre astronomy, optical interferometry A independent, membership-based industrial research observations & instrumentation. Astrophysics, geometric information and expertise to improve people’s association providing substantial R&D, processing, algebra, maximum entropy, neutral networks. lives. Founded in 1910, CABI is owned by over analytical hygiene, best practice, training, auditing and High Energy Physics: LEP, SPS & future LHC experiments. 40 member countries. Today CABI publishes HACCP services for the food chain worldwide. Members include growers, processors, retailers, Detector development. Particle physics theory. books, journals and scientific outputs, carries caterers, distributors, machinery manufacturers, out scientific research and consultancies to find Condensed Matter Physics: Semiconductor physics, quantum government departments and enforcement authorities. effect devices, nanolithography. Superconductivity, magnetic sustainable solutions to agricultural and Employs over 300; serves over 2,000 member sites; thin films. Optoelectronics, conducting polymers. Biological and has a subsidiary company in Hungary. Activities environmental issues and develops innovative Soft Systems. Polymers and Colloids. Surface physics, fracture, ways to communicate science to many different focus on safety, quality, efficiency and innovation. Participates in DTI’s Faraday Partnerships and wear & erosion. Amorphous solids. Electron microscopy. audiences. Activities range from assisting Electronic structure theory & computation. Structural phase national policy makers, informing worldwide collaborates with universities on LINK projects and studentships, transferring practical knowledge transitions, fractals, quantum Monte Carlo calculations research, to supporting farmers in the field. between industry and academia. Biological Physics.

Chartered Clifton Institute of Scientific Patent Attorneys Trust Centre for Environment, Contact: Michael Ralph - Contact: Dr Eric Albone Fisheries & Aquaculture Science Secretary & Registrar Clifton Scientific Trust The Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys 49 Northumberland Road, Bristol BS6 7BA Contact: Anne McClarnon, Communications 95 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1DT Tel: 0117 924 7664 Fax: 0117 924 7664 Manager Tel: 020 7405 9450 E-mail: [email protected] Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT Fax: 020 7430 0471 Website: www.clifton-scientific.org Tel: 01502 56 2244 E-mail: [email protected] Science for Citizenship and Employability, Fax: 01502 51 3865 Website: www.cipa.org.uk Science for Life, Science for Real E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.cefas.co.uk CIPA’s members practise in intellectual property, We build grass-roots partnerships between especially patents, trade marks, designs, and school and the wider world of professional Cefas offers multidisciplinary scientific research science and its applications and consultancy for fisheries management and copyright, either in private partnerships or • for young people of all ages and abilities aquaculture, plus environmental monitoring and industrial companies. CIPA maintains the assessments. Government at all levels, statutory Register. It advises government and • experiencing science as a creative, questioning, human activity international institutions (EU, UN, World Bank) international circles on policy issues and • bringing school science added meaning and and clients worldwide have used Cefas services provides information services, promoting the for over 100 years. Three laboratories with the notivation, from primary to post-16 latest facilities, plus Cefas’ own ocean-going benefits to UK industry of obtaining IP • locally, nationally, internationally (currently research vessel, underpin the delivery of high- protection, and to overseas industry of using between Britain and Japan) quality science and advice to policy-makers. British agents to obtain international protection. Clifton Scientific Trust Ltd is registered charity 1086933

58 Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 Council University Economic and for the of East Anglia Social Research Central Laboratory Contact: UEA Press Office Council of the Research University of East Anglia Contact: Lesley Lilley, Senior Policy Councils Norwich, NR4 7TJ Manager, Knowledge Transfer, Tel: 01603 592203 Economic and Social Research Council, Contact: Natalie Bealing Fax: 01603 259883 Polaris House, North Star Avenue, CCLRC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory E-mail: [email protected] Swindon SN2 1UJ Chilton, Oxfordshire, OX11 0QX Website: www.uea.ac.uk Tel: 01793 413033 Fax 01793 413130 CCLRC Daresbury Laboratory [email protected] Daresbury, Cheshire, WA4 4AD From award-winning technology translating http://www.esrc.ac.uk Tel: 01235 445484 Fax: 01235 446665 speech into sign language, to internationally- The ESRC is the UK’s leading research and training E-mail: [email protected] renowned climate research, and from the Website: www.cclrc.ac.uk agency addressing economic and social concerns. We intricacies of diseases such as cancer to the pursue excellence in social science research; work to The CCLRC is the UK’s strategic agency for scientific large-scale hazards of earthquakes and increase the impact of our research policy and research facilities. It also supports leading-edge science volcanoes, UEA scientists are carrying out practice; and provide trained social scientists who and technology by providing world-class, large-scale world-class research and teaching. A strongly meet the needs of users and beneficiaries, thereby experimental facilities. These advanced technological interdisciplinary science cluster: Biological contrbuting to the economic competitiveness of the capabilities, backed by a pool of expertise and skills United Kingdom, the effectiveness of public services across a broad range of disciplines, are exploited by more Sciences, Chemical Sciences and Pharmacy, than 600 government, academic, industrial and other Environmental Sciences, Computing Sciences and policy, and quality of life. The ESRC is independent, established by Royal Charter in 1965, research organisations around the world each year. The and Mathematics. annual budget of the CCLRC is c. £150 million. and funded mainly by government.

Engineering English Environment and Physical Nature Agency

Sciences Contact: Dr Keith Duff, Contact: Steve Killeen, Research Council Chief Scientist Head of Science, Environment Agency, English Nature Block 1 Government Buildings Contact: Lucy Brady, Northminster House, Peterborough, Burghill Road, Westbury on Trym, Head of Marketing and Communications, PE1 1UA Bristol BS10 6BF. EPSRC, Polaris House, Tel: 0117 914 2980 Tel: 01733-455208 North Star Avenue, Swindon SN2 1ET Fax: 0117 914 2929 Fax: 01733-568834 Tel: 01793 444147 Fax: 01793 444005 E-mail: steve.killeen@environment- E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] agency.gov.uk Website address: www.english-nature.org.uk Website:www.epsrc.ac.uk Website: www.environment-agency.gov.uk EPSRC invests more than £500 million a year in English Nature is the Government’s wildlife The Environment Agency is responsible for research and postgraduate training in the physical agency working throughout England. With protecting and enhancing the environment in sciences and engineering, to help the nation handle our partners and others we promote the England and Wales. We contribute to the next generation of technological change. The conservation of wildlife and natural places. sustainable development through the areas covered range from mathematics to materials integrated management of air, land and water. science, and information technology to structural We commission research and publish scientific We commission research to support our engineering. We also actively promote public engagement with papers which underpin the development of functions through our Science Programme that science and engineering, and we collaborate with a policies and programmes to maintain and is based on a 5 year plan developed through wide range of organisations in this area. enhance biodiversity consultation.

Freshwater Health Human Biological Protection Fertilisation Association Agency and Contact: Dr Roger Sweeting, Contact: Professor Pat Troop, Chief Executive Health Protection Agency Central Office Embryology Chief Executive. 7th Floor, Holborn Gate, 330 High Holborn The Freshwater Biological Association, The London WC1V 7PP Authority Ferry House, Far Sawrey, Ambleside, Tel: 020 7759 2700/2701 Fax: 020 7759 2733 Cumbria LA22 0LP. Email: [email protected] Contact: Tim Whitaker Tel: 015394 42468 Fax: 015394 46914 Web: www.hpa.org.uk 21 Bloomsbury St E-mail: [email protected] The Health Protection Agency is an independent London WC1B 3HF Website: www.fba.org.uk organisation dedicated to protecting people’s health in Tel: 020 7291 8200 the United Kingdom. We do this by providing impartial The Freshwater Biological Association is an Fax: 020 7291 8201 advice and authoritative information on health Email: [email protected] independent organisation and a registered Charity, protection uses to the public, to professionals and to Website: www.hfea.gov.uk founded in 1929. It aims to promote freshwater government. science through an innovative research We combine public health and scientific expertise, The HFEA is a non-departmental Government programme, an active membership organisation research and emergency planning within one organisation. We work at international, national and body that regulates and inspects all UK clinics and by providing sound independent opinion. It regional and local levels and have many links with many providing IVF, donor insemination or the publishes a variety of specialist volumes and other organisations around the world. This means we can storage of eggs, sperm or embryos. The HFEA houses one of the finest freshwater libraries in the respond quickly and effectively to new and existing also licenses and monitors all human embryo national and global threats to health including infections, world. environmental hazards and emergencies. research being conducted in the UK.

Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 59 Institute The Institute of of Mathematics Contact: Public Relations Department Biology and its Applications 76 Portland Place, London W1B 1NT Tel: 020 7470 4800 Contact: Lynn Webster, Personal Assistant to Contact: Prof Alan Malcolm, Chief Executive E-mail: [email protected] Executive Director Websites: www.iop.org 9 Red Lion Court, London EC4A 3EF Institute of Mathematics and its Applications www.einsteinyear.org Tel: 020 7936 5900 Catherine Richards House, 16 Nelson Street The Institute of Physics supports the physics Fax: 020 7936 5901 Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS1 1EF Tel: 01702 354020 community and promotes physics to E-mail: [email protected] Fax: 01702 354111 government, legislators and policy makers. Website: www.iob.org E-mail: [email protected] It is an international learned society and Website: www.ima.org.uk professional body with over 35,000 members The biological sciences have truly come of worldwide, working in all branches of physics age with the new millennium and the The IMA is a professional and learned society for and a wide variety of jobs and professions – qualified and practising mathematicians. Its mission is including fundamental resarch, technology- Institute of Biology is the professional body based industries, medicine, finance – and to represent biology and biologists to all. A to promote mathematics in industry, business, the newer jobs such as computer games design. source of independent advice to public sector, education and research. The Institute is active in school and higher Forty percent of members are employed in education education and awards professional Government, a supporter of education, a (schools through to universities), and the other 60% measure of excellence and a disseminator of qualifications. It provides policy advice and work in commercial and governmental organisations. opportunities for public debate on areas of information - the Institute of Biology is the The Institute is incorporated by Royal Charter and has physics such as energy and climate change Voice of British Biology. the right to award Chartered Mathematician status. that affect us all.

Institute of Institution Physics and of Civil Engineering Institution of Engineers in Medicine Chemical Engineers Contact: Neal Weston, External Relations Manager Contact: Robert Neilson, General Secretary IChemE is the hub for chemical, One Great George Street, Westminster, Fairmount House, 230 Tadcaster Road, biochemical and process engineering London SW1P 3AA, UK York, YO24 1ES professionals worldwide. We are the heart Tel: 020 7665 2151 Tel: 01904 610821 Fax: 01904 612279 of the process community, promoting Fax: 020 7222 0973 E-mail: [email protected] competence and a commitment to E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.ipem.ac.uk sustainable development, advancing the Website: www.ice.org.uk IPEM is a registered, incorporated charity for the discipline for the benefit of society and ICE aims to be a leader in shaping the advancement, in the public interest, of physics and supporting the professional development engineering profession. With over 75,000 engineering applied to medicine and biology. It of over 25,000 members. accredits medical physicists, clinical engineers and members, ICE acts as a knowledge exchange clinical technologists through its membership register, Contact: Andrew Furlong for all aspects of civil engineering. As a organises training and CPD for them, and provides Member Networks Director Learned Society, the Institution provides opportunities for the dissemination of knowledge t: +44 (0) 1788 534484 expertise, in the form of reports and comment, through publications and scientific meetings. IPEM is f: +44 (0) 1788 560833 on a wide range of subjects from energy licensed by the Science Council to award CSci and by e: [email protected] generation and supply, to sustainability and the the Engineering Council (UK) to award CEng, IEng environment. and EngTech. www.icheme.org

Institution of LGC University Queens Road, Teddington of Leeds Engineering Middlesex, TW11 0LY and Technology Tel: +44 (0)20 8943 7000 Contact: Mrs K Brownridge, Fax: +44 (0)20 8943 2767 Director of Research Support, E-mail: [email protected] Research Support Unit, 3 Cavendish Road, Contact: Tony Henderson Website: www.lgc.co.uk Institution of Engineering and Technology Leeds LS2 9JT LGC, a science service company, is Europe’s leading Savoy Place, London WC2R 0BL Tel: 0113 3436050 independent provider of analytical and diagnostic services Fax: 0113 3434058 Tel: 020 7344 8403 and reference standards. LGC’s market-led divisions - E-mail: [email protected] LGC Forensics, Food Chain and Environment, Life E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.theiet.org Sciences, Pharmaceutical and Chemical Services and LGC Website: http://www.leeds.ac.uk/rsu Promochem (for Reference Materials) - operate in a The University of Leeds is among the The Institution of Engineering and Technology diverse range of sectors for both public and private sector largest research universities in Europe. was formed in 2006 by the Institution of customers. We have some 3000 researchers, including Electrical Engineers and the Institution of Under arrangements for the office and function of postgraduates, and an annual research Incorporated Engineers. The IET has more than Government Chemist, LGC fulfils specific statutory duties income of more than £70m. Research activity 150,000 members worldwide who work in a and provides advice for Government and the wider extends across nine faculties representing range of industries. The Institution aims to lead analytical community on the implications of analytical chemistry for matters of policy, standards and regulation. most core disciplines and often crosses in the advancement of engineering and traditional subject boundaries. In the last technology by facilitating the exchange of LGC is based in Teddington, Middlesex, with other UK Research Assessment Exercise, we had 35 operations in Runcorn, Edinburgh, Culham, Risley and knowledge and ideas at a local and global level Tamworth and facilities in France, Germany, Italy, Poland, schools rated internationally or nationally and promoting best practice. Spain, Sweden and India. excellent.

60 Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 London Marks & Medical Metropolitan Spencer Plc Research Polymer Centre Contact: David Gregory Council Contact: Alison Green, Waterside House London Metropolitan University 35 North Wharf Road Contact: Simon Wilde 166-220 Holloway Road, London N7 8DB London W2 1NW. 20 Park Crescent, London W1B 1AL. Tel: 020 7133 2189 Tel: 020 8718 8247 Tel: 020 7636 5422 Fax: 020 7436 2665 Fax: 020 7133 2184 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] Website: www.polymers.org.uk Main Business Activities Website: www.mrc.ac.uk Retailer – Clothing, Food, Financial The London Metropolitan Polymer Centre provides Services and Home The Medical Research Council (MRC) is training, consultancy and applied research to the UK funded by the UK taxpayer. We are polymer (plastics & rubber) industry. The training We have over 400 stores in 31 independent of Government, but work closely courses are delivered through a programme of territories worldwide, employing with the Health Departments, the National industrial short courses and customised courses and 65,000 people. Health Service and industry to ensure that the these, together with distance learning and other research we support takes account of the flexible delivery methods, lead to qualifications We offer our customers quality, value, public’s needs as well as being of excellent ranging from technician to Masters level. Recent service and trust in our brand by scientific quality. As a result, MRC-funded successes include a WRAP sponsored programme to applying science and technology to research has led to some of the most develop new commercial applications for recycled develop innovative products and significant discoveries in medical science and PET and several technology transfer projects with services. benefited millions of people, both in the UK companies. and worldwide.

The National National Merck Sharp & Dohme Research Laboratories Endowment Physical for Science, Contact: Professor Ray Hill, FMedSci Laboratory Licensing & External Research, Europe Technology and Terlings Park the Arts National Physical Laboratory Harlow CM20 2QR Hampton Road, Teddington Essex Contact: Maria Estevez Middlesex TW11 0LW Tel: 01279 440168 Policy Assistant Tel: 020 8943 6880 Fax: 020 8943 6458 Fax: 01279 440713 Fishmongers’ Chambers e-mail: [email protected] 110 Upper Thames Street, London EC4R 3TW E-mail: [email protected] www.merck.com Tel: 020 7645 9500 Website: www.npl.co.uk Fax: 020 7645 9501 Merck Sharp & Dohme is a UK subsidiary of Email: [email protected] The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is the Merck & Co Inc a global research-driven Website: www.nesta.org.uk United Kingdom’s national standards laboratory, pharmaceutical company dedicated to NESTA aims to be the single most powerful catalyst an internationally respected and independent for innovation in the UK. In everything it does, it is centre of excellence in research, development putting patients first. Merck discovers, seeking to increase the UK ‘s capacity to fulfil its vast develops, manufactures and markets innovative potential. Through a range of pioneering and knowledge transfer in measurement and vaccines and medicines in over 20 programmes, it invests at every stage of the materials science. For more than a century, NPL therapeutic categories directly and through innovation process; providing early stage seed capital has developed and maintained the nation’s its joint ventures. Our mission is to provide for promising ideas for new products and services; primary measurement standards - the heart of investing in UK talent to ensure it stays in the UK; an infrastructure designed to ensure accuracy, society with superior products and services and experimenting with new ways of engaging the by developing innovations and solutions public in science, technology and the creative consistency and innovation in physical that improve the quality of life. industries. measurement.

Natural University of The Nutrition Environment Newcastle Society Research Council upon Tyne Contact: Frederick Wentworth-Bowyer, Contact: Sheila Anderson Chief Executive, The Nutrition Society, Head of Communications Contact: Dr Douglas Robertson 10 Cambridge Court, 210 Shepherds Bush Road London W6 7NJ Polaris House, North Star Avenue Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU Tel: +44 (0)20 7602 0228 Swindon SN2 1EU Tel: 0191 222 5347 Fax: 0191 222 5219 Fax: +44 (0)20 7602 1756 Tel: 01793 411646 Fax: 01793 411510 E-mail: [email protected] Email: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.ncl.ac.uk Founded in 1941, The Nutrition Society is the premier Website: www.nerc.ac.uk scientific and professional body dedicated to advance the scientific study of nutrition and its application to the The UK’s Natural Environment Research Council The University of Newcastle upon Tyne is a member of the Russell Group of research maintenance of human and animal health. funds and carries out impartial scientific research Highly regarded by the scientific community, the Society in the sciences of the environment. NERC trains intensive Universities. Newcastle has a is the largest learned society for nutrition in Europe. the next generation of independent environmental considerable reputation in undertaking Membership is worldwide and is open to those with a scientists. ‘research with a purpose’. The University has a genuine interest in the science of human or animal well balanced portfolio of research funding and nutrition. NERC funds research in universities and in a has one of the highest levels of research projects Principal activities include: funded by the UK Government Departments 1. Publishing internationally renowned scientific network of its own centres, which include: learned journals and a very significant portfolio of FP6 EU 2. Promoting the education and training of nutritionists British Antarctic Survey, British Geological activity (with over 100 projects involving more Survey, Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, 3. Promoting the highest standards of professional than 1800 partners). The University is taking competence and practice in nutrition National Oceanography Centre and its commitment further through the 4. Disseminating scientific information through its Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory development of Newcastle Science City. publications and programme of scientific meetings

Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 61 Particle Physics and Astronomy Prospect Research Contact: Sue Ferns, Prospect Head of Research and Specialist Council Services, Prospect House 75 – 79 York Rd, London SE1 7AQ Contact: Philip Greenish CBE, Chief Executive Contact: Nigel Calvin Tel: 020 7902 6639 Fax: 020 7902 6637 29 Great Peter Street, Policy and Public Affairs Manager E-mail: [email protected] London SW1P 3LW www.prospect.org.uk Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council Tel: 020 7227 0500 Fax: 020 7233 0054 Polaris House, North Star Avenue Prospect is an independent, thriving and E-mail: [email protected] Swindon, Wiltshire SN2 1SZ forward-looking trade union with 102,000 Website: www.raeng.org.uk Tel: 01793 442176 Fax: 01793 442125 members. We represent scientists, Founded in 1976, The Royal Academy of Engineering E-mail: [email protected] technologists and other professions in the promotes the engineering and technological welfare of Website: www.pparc.ac.uk civil service, research councils and private the country by facilitating the application of science. sector. As a national academy, we offer independent and The PPARC is the UK’s strategic science investment impartial advice to Government; work to secure the agency that directs and funds research in national and Prospect’s collective voice champions the interests of the engineering and scientific next generation of engineers; pursue excellence; and international programmes in fundamental physics. provide a voice for Britain’s engineering community. community to key opinion-formers and Our Fellowship - comprising the UK’s most eminent It is this research into fundamental physics that lies policy makers and, with negotiating rights behind some of the major technological advances of the engineers - provides the leadership and expertise for with over 300 employers, we seek to secure a our activities, which focus on the importance of 20th Century, and delivers world leading science, better life at work by putting members’ pay, engineering and technology to wealth creation and the technologies and people for the UK. conditions and careers first. quality of life.

The Royal The Royal Institution Society Contact: Dr Gail Cardew Contact: Dr David Stewart Boak, Head of Programmes Director Communications The Royal Society, 6-9 Carlton House Terrace, The Royal Institution London, SW1Y 5AG. 21 Albemarle Street, London W1S 4BS Tel: 020 7451 2510 Fax: 020 7451 2615 Tel: 020 7409 2992 Fax: 020 7670 2920 Email: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.rigb.org Website: www.royalsoc.ac.uk Founded in 1660, the Royal Society is an independent The Royal Institution has a reputation established academy promoting the natural and applied sciences. over 200 years for its high calibre events that It aims to: • strengthen UK science by providing support to break down the barriers between science and excellent individuals society. It acts as a unique forum for informing • fund excellent research to push back the frontiers people about how science affects their daily lives, of knowledge and prides itself on its reputation of engaging the • attract and retain the best scientists • ensure the UK engages with the best science around public in scientific debate. During 2006 the Ri is the world closed for the refurbishment of its Grade 1 listed • support science communication and education; and building. The public and schools’ events communicate and encourage dialogue with the public programme will continue throughout this time. • provide the best independent advice nationally and internationally For more details on this and our refurbishment • promote scholarship and encourage research into the plans, please see our website. history of science

The Royal The Science Statistical Council The Royal Society Society Contact: Diana Garnham, Chief Executive Officer of Chemistry Contact: Mr Andrew Garratt The Science Council Press and Public Affairs Officer 210 Euston Road, London NW1 2BE Contact: Dr Stephen Benn The Royal Statistical Society Tel 020 7611 8754 Fax 020 7611 8743 Parliamentary Affairs 12 Errol Sreet, London EC1Y 8LX. E-mail: [email protected] The Royal Society of Chemistry Website: www.sciencecouncil.org Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BA Tel: +44 20 7614 3920 Tel: 020 7437 8656 Fax: 020 7734 1227 Fax: +44 20 7614 3905 The Science Council has a membership of over E-Mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] 27 professional institutions and learned Website: http://www.rsc.org Website: www.rss.org.uk societies covering the breadth of science and The RSS is much more than just a learned society. mathematics. Its purpose is to provide an http://www.chemsoc.org independent collective voice for science and The Royal Society of Chemistry is a learned, We lead the way as an independent source of advice scientists and to maintain standards across all professional and scientific body of over 46,000 on statistical issues and play a crucial role in raising scientific disciplines. We are active in science members with a duty under its Royal Charter the profile of statistics, through our links with policy issues including science in education, “to serve the public interest”. It is active in the government, academia and the corporate and health, society and sustainability. In 2003 the Science Council was granted its Royal Charter areas of education and qualifications, science voluntary sectors. We have a powerful voice at and in 2004 it launched the Chartered Scientist policy, publishing, Europe, information and Royal Commissions, Parliamentary Select (CSci) designation as a measure of high internet services, media relations, public Committees and at public consultations, offering standards in the practice, application, understanding of science, advice and assistance our own unique view on just about anything, from advancement and teaching of science. We now to Parliament and Government. freedom of information to sustainable development. have over 10,000 Chartered Scientists.

62 Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 Society of Chemical Contact: Dr Faye Stokes, Industry Public Affairs Administrator Contact: Dr David J Winstanley Marlborough House, Basingstoke Road, Contact: Andrew Ladds, Bioscience Sector Strategy Manager Spencers Wood, Reading RG7 1AG. General Secretary and Chief Executive SEMTA, Wynyard Park House, Tel: 0118 988 1843 Fax: 0118 988 5656 SCI International Headquarters Wynyard Park, Billingham, TS22 5TB E-mail: [email protected] 14-15 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8PS Tel: 01740 627000 Mobile: 07973 679 338 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: www.semta.org.uk Website: www.soci.org Europe. The Society publishes four journals of SEMTA (Science, Engineering and Manufacturing international standing, and organises regular SCI is an interdisciplinary network for science, Technologies Alliance) is the Sector Skills Council for the scientific meetings. commerce and industry. SCI attracts forward- science, engineering and manufacturing technology sectors. looking people in process and materials Our Mission is ‘to ensure that our sector has the knowledge SGM also promotes education and careers in technologies and in the biotechnology, energy, and skills required to meet the challenges faced by the microbiology, and it is committed to represent water, agriculture, food, pharmaceuticals, workforce of the future.’ microbiology to government, the media and the construction, and environmental protection sectors Our sectors account for a significant proportion of the UK public. worldwide. Members exchange ideas and gain economy. There are about 2 million people employed in new perspectives on markets, technologies, An information service on microbiological issues about 76,000 establishments in the core Science, strategies and people, through electronic and Engineering and Technology sectors, currently contributes concerning aspects of medicine, agriculture, physical specialist conferences and debates, and over £74 billion per annum – about ten per cent – of total food safety, biotechnology and the environment publish journals, books and the respected UK GDP. is available on request. magazine Chemistry & Industry.

Society of University of Universities Cosmetic Surrey Federation

Scientists Contact: Katy Leivers for Animal Welfare Contact: Lorna Weston, University of Surrey, Guildford, Contact: Dr James Kirkwood, Secretary General Surrey, GU2 7XH Scientific Director Society of Cosmetic Scientists Tel: 01483 683937 The Old School, Brewhouse Hill G T House, 24-26 Rothesay Road, Luton, Fax: 01483 683948 Wheathampstead, Herts. AL4 8AN. Beds LU1 1QX E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 01582 831818. Fax: 01582 831414. Tel: 01582 726661 Website: http://www.surrey.ac.uk/ Email: [email protected] Fax: 01582 405217 Website: www.ufaw.org.uk E-mail: [email protected] The University of Surrey is one of the UK’s leading Registered Charity No: 207996 Website: www.scs.org.uk professional, scientific and technological universities UFAW is an internationally-recognized independent with a world class research profile and a reputation Advancing the science of cosmetics is the primary scientific and educational animal welfare charity. It objective of the SCS. Cosmetic science covers a wide for excellence in teaching and learning. Ground- works to improve animal lives by: range of disciplines from organic and physical breaking research at the University is bringing direct • supporting animal welfare research. chemistry to biology and photo-biology, dermatology, benefit to all spheres of life - helping industry to • educating and raising awareness of welfare microbiology, physical sciences and psychology. maintain its competitive edge and creating issues in the UK and overseas. Members are scientists and the SCS helps them improvements in the areas of health, medicine, space • producing the leading journal Animal Welfare and progress their careers and the science of cosmetics science, the environment, communications, ion other high-quality publications on animal care ethically and responsibly. Services include and welfare. publications, educational courses and scientific beam and optoelectronics technology, visual multi • providing expert advice to government meetings. media, defence and social policy. departments and other concerned bodies.

Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 63 Thursday 28 September 19.00 Tuesday 12, Wednesday 13 & Imagine: Healthier by design Thursday 14 September 10.00-18.30 Science Prof Roger Coleman, Colum Lowe Royal Society Glasgow Science and Henry Marsh Exhibition Diary Royal College of Art, London A showcase of some of the best science in the UK and an The Parliamentary and Wednesday 11 October opportunity to talk to the scientists Scientific Committee How can technology meet the doing the research. Contact: Annabel Lloyd needs of an ageing population? Glasgow Science Centre. 020 7222 7085 Various speakers www.scienceinparliament.org.uk Techniquest, Cardiff Monday 18, Tuesday 19 & Wednesday 20 September Tuesday 17 October 10.00-14.30 Thursday 12 October 18.00 Recent developments in the study Visit to Imperial College Confronting the Goldilocks of Gamma-ray bursts enigma: why is the universe so Monday 23 October 17.30 uncannily fit for life? Marine Science Prof Bernard Carr, Prof Paul Davies, Speakers to be confirmed Prof Michael Duff and Revd Dr Monday 23 November 17.30 Rodney Holder Patient Safety Imperial College London The Royal Academy of Speakers to be confirmed Engineering Wednesday 18 October 19.00 29 Great Peter Street, Tuesday 28 November 10.00-14.30 Science Graduate of the Year London SW1P 3LW. Visit to NPL Alex Mischenko For further information visit Gresham College www.raeng.org.uk/events or contact Monday 4 December 17.30 [email protected] Materials Thursday 19 October 18.30 Speakers to be confirmed The best science books ever Friday 8 September Various speakers A Balanced Approach to Energy – Imperial College London The Nordic Experience 7 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1 Wednesday 25 October 19.00 For further details contact: Amy Abbott The Royal Institution Something in the genes: Walter Email: [email protected] Due to refurbishment, all Ri events Rothschild, zoological collector are to be held at external venues extraordinaire Wednesday 13 – Friday 15 September throughout 2006. See www.rigb.org Victor Gray UK Focus for Biomedical Engineering or telephone 020 7409 2992 for full The Royal College of Surgeons of Musculo-Skeletal Mechanics details and to book tickets.. England Durham University This event will be held for invited Tuesday 18 July 19.00 young researchers. From bad to worse: the worst For further details contact: Brian Doble ideas on the mind The Royal Society Email: [email protected] Prof Edgar Jones, Dr Joanna 6-9 Carlton House Terrace Moncrieff, Richard Webster and Prof Simon Wessely London SW1Y 5AG Tuesday 3 October King’s College London The Royal Society runs a series of Hinton Lecture events, both evening lectures and IET, Savoy Place, London WC2R Wednesday 9 August 10.00-12.30 two day discussion meetings, on For further details contact: Amy Abbott Mathematics Masterclasses topics covering the whole breadth of Email: [email protected] Prof Chris Budd, Prof Alan Davies, science, engineering and technology. Dr Colin Wright or Prof Sir All the events are free to attend and Christopher Zeeman open to all. Please see The Institute of Education www.royalsoc.ac.uk/events for the full events programme, more details about the events below and web casts of past events.

64 Science in Parliament Vol 63 No 3 Summer 2006 The Royal Society of SCI Edinburgh 14/15 Belgrave Square 22-26 George Street, London SW1X 8PS Edinburgh EH2 2PQ. Contact: [email protected] or 020 Tel: 0131 240 5000 7598 1562 Fax: 0131 240 5024 Unless otherwise stated events are at [email protected] SCI www.royalsoced.org.uk All events require registration and take Monday 18 & Tuesday 19 September Officers of the Parliamentary place at the RSE. A Celebration of Organic Chemistry & Scientific Committee Novartis, Horsham Monday 4 September 17.30 President: The Lord Soulsby of Extreme Fluid Dynamics and the Wednesday 11 October Swaffham Prior Chairman: Dr Douglas Naysmith MP Search for a New Engineering Science The Role of Polymers in Drug Deputy Chairmen: Dr Desmond Turner MP Professor Jason Reese FRSE Delivery Mr Robert Key MP Hon Treasurer: Dr Ian Gibson MP Wednesday 27 September 18.00 Wednesday 25 October Hon Secretaries: Dr Evan Harris MP Earth, Wind, Fire and Water: Introduction to ADMET: Solving Mr James Paice MP Earthquakes problems chemically Vice-Presidents: The Rt Hon Lord Discussion Forum Jenkin of Roding Thursday 26 October Dr Richard Worswick Bitumen Demystified Ms Sandra Gidley MP The BA Mr Stephen Cox CVO (British Association for the Monday 30 October Mr Peter Raymond MBE Advancement of Science) Toxicogenomics - Its role in Health Professor Jane Plant CBE Assessment and Environmental Dr Brian Iddon MP Dr David Dent Saturday 2 – Saturday 9 September safety Advisory Panel: Professor Peter Saunders BA Festival of Science, Norwich Professor Julia King CBE For further information visit FREng www.the-ba.net/festivalofscience Professor Alan Malcolm Secretariat: Professor Peter Simpson Mrs Annabel Lloyd

Science in Parliament 3 Birdcage Walk, London SW1H 9JJ Tel: 020 7222 7085 Fax: 020 7222 7189 Editor: Professor Peter Simpson Editorial Assistant: Mrs Annabel Lloyd

Editorial/Management Board: Dr Brian Iddon MP (Chairman) Mr Robert Freer Dr Ashok Kumar MP Professor Alan Malcolm Mr Andrew Miller MP Dr Douglas Naysmith MP The Lord Soulsby of Swaffham Prior

SCIENCE IN PARLIAMENT Published by the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee, 3 Birdcage Walk, London SW1H 9JJ. Published four times a year. The 2006 subscription rate is £65.00. Single numbers £16.25 ISSN 0263-6271 All enquiries, including those from members wishing to take the front or back covers, advertise in the journal or appear in the directory to Mrs Annabel Lloyd, Tel 020 7222 7085 Copyright ©2006 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 63 No 3 Summer 2006 65 Thruvision, a spin-out from the CCLRC’s Space Science and The protein structure of a molecule determined using crystallography Technology Department, is aiming to become the leading commercial techniques at the CCLRC’s Synchrotron Radiation Source. In provider of compact security screening equipment using terahertz collaboration with Organon Laboratories, this technique was used to imaging technology. The image illustrates a scan by a Thruvision unit determine the crystal structure of a molecule which reverses the showing plastic concealed at waist level and is currently undergoing effects of drugs administered during operations performed under commercial trials. general anaesthetic, significantly reducing recovery times.

A global surface temperature map taken by the Along Track Scanning Positioning the wing strut of an Airbus A380 on the ENGIN-X Radiometer (ATSR) instrument onboard an ESA satellite. The ATSR instrument at the CCLRC’s ISIS facility, the world’s leading pulsed series of instruments monitor global sea surface temperatures for neutron and muon source. Fifty percent of the time on ENGIN-X is climate monitoring purposes. The ATSR series has been developed by devoted to industrial customers with applications in the Energy, the CCLRC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory with increasing industrial Aerospace, Automotive and Defence sectors. involvement. Thanks to this knowledge being transferred to industry Defra was able to procure the latest in the series direct from industry. www.cclrc.ac.uk