Whit Issue 2005 SCIENCE IN PARLIAMENT

UK - Best Place For Innovation

Women In Science

Crime Technology

Bovine Tuberculosis

Society for General Microbiology Fighting Infection

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. Contents Whit 2005 Volume 62 Number 2

A Welcome from the President 1 Lord Soulsby of Swaffham Prior Five Years of the Food Standards Agency 2 Opinion by Sir John Krebs FRS National Museum for Science & Industry 3 Opinion by Dr Lindsay Sharp Annual Luncheon of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee 5 Address by HRH The Princess Royal In this issue Lawson Soulsby especially welcomes From the Scene of Crime to the Courthouse 8 MPs elected to the 2005 Parliament and points Addresses to the P&SC by William Hughes, Gloria Laycock and Gary Pugh them to the Committee’s new website. John Krebs leaves the Food Standards Agency with The UK – Best Place in the World for Innovation 14 clear responsibilities for safety, but an uncertain Seminar jointly arranged by OST and P&SC role for nutrition. Lindsay Sharp’s National Fighting Infection 20 Museum of Science and Industry is committed to Janet Hurst and Faye Jones, Society for General Microbiology new scientific dialogue making sense of science and technology. HRH The Princess Royal, our Chemical Engineering on the Menu 22 Guest of Honour at the Annual Lunch, provides Professor Colin Grant encouragement to women in science and engineering thus also helping to provide more Eating with the P and S 24 science and maths teachers. William Hughes Tam Dalyell wants serious organised crime put out of Bovine Tuberculosis – Towards a Science Based Control Strategy 25 business, Gloria Laycock needs a new scientific John Bourne agency promoting crime prevention. Gary Pugh’s forensic databases are the best in the world and House of Commons Select Committee on Science and Technology 29 paramount in the investigation and reduction of House of Lords Science and Technology Select Committee 31 crime. Keith O’Nions distributes the Chancellor’s £10 billion for science and innovation at the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology 32 Science Week Seminar, Catherine Beech’s early House of Commons Library 33 stage companies need business to help them pull through. Patrick McDonald joins up government Letter to the Editor 33 departments to make them a more demanding Reports on Meetings 34 customer for technology. Ian Diamond’s Parliamentary and Scientific Committee News 35 knowledge networks and partnerships underpin commercial applications. Janet Hurst’s microbes Debates and Selected Parliamentary Questions and Answers 35 will inherit the earth, but in the mean time Digest of Parliamentary Debates, Questions and Answers 39 require constant vigilance. Colin Grant’s chemical engineers help solve practical problems. John Euro-News 48 Bourne finds that 60% of post FMD TB is due to European Union Digest 49 cattle movement, not badgers. Tam Dalyell finally says goodbye after 43 years as a "Committee Science Directory 51 Regular" – and he will be very much missed. Science Diary 60

Dr Douglas Naysmith MP Chairman, Editorial Board, Front cover picture: Colour TEM of MRSA: resistant Staphylococcus bacteria Science in Parliament (Credit: Dr Kari Lounatmaa/Science Photo Library) ISSN 0263-6271 WELCOME

A Welcome from the President

The Lord Soulsby of Swaffham Prior

t is with very great pleasure that on matters of common scientific by all concerned if a satisfactory I take this opportunity to interest. These may be very long term outcome is to be Iwelcome back existing members complex issues that involve obtained. Indeed the future of the Parliamentary and Scientific Parliamentarians working with our existence of mankind on this planet Committee to the new Parliament member organisations in the in a state that we could regard as of 2005, and on this special national, European or international civilised is the fundamental issue at occasion I particularly wish to interest. stake here. welcome newly elected We live in exciting times when the The Officers and Staff of the Parliamentarians, who may be opportunities for scientific and Committee have planned an taking their seats in Parliament for technical achievements are excellent programme of meetings in the very first time. This Committee powerful drivers for change that Parliament and site visits with the has been serving the needs of can have major impacts on our climax being our Annual Lunch each Parliamentarians and our many lifestyle and wellbeing, both now year at the Savoy. Please take a look vitally important and and for the foreseeable future. at our new website where you will internationally recognised member Parliamentarians therefore play a find this and much more information organisations for over 65 years. We vital and ever-increasing role in about the Committee, including are still going strong by adapting to deciding on science-based policy online access to the four preceding the ever changing needs of our issues today that may have impacts issues of Science in Parliament. membership, while encouraging far beyond the life of the current Please contact Mrs Annabel Lloyd, informed debate on matters of Parliament. An important example our Administrative Secretary, if you scientific importance that affect the of this is Climate Change for which should require any help in obtaining whole nation. We also consider a much better understanding of the the current password that is essential that it is particularly important to very complex interactions of in order to obtain access to all the help facilitate cross-party discussion science and technology is needed resources available to you on this site.

Launch of the Committee’s New Website on Monday 23 May 2005 http://www.scienceinparliament.org.uk

he Council have approved the launch of a new website designed primarily for the benefit of members but also to inform non-members about meetings and publications of the Committee. The name of the new Twebsite has been chosen to reflect the interest in and importance of our journal, Science in Parliament, both to the membership and to non-members. The previous website has also been modified to divert readers directly to the new site. It is intended to help facilitate much better access to and a wider readership of our journal, especially by non-members who can now purchase publications through the website. In addition, all our subscribers will continue to receive hard copy issues of Science in Parliament as before. Full access to all the facilities on the site is accessible only to Members and to all Parliamentarians, who will need to contact Mrs Annabel Lloyd in the office to obtain a password, if they have not already received one. Further news about the Committee’s new website is available on page 35.

Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 2 Whit 2005 1 OPINION

Five years of the Food Standards Agency

Sir John Krebs FRS

he Food Standards Agency recommendations, all of which the (FSA) was set up as a "force Board has accepted, of ways to Tfor change" in the White improve in the future. Paper that created it five years ago. One key promise was to be The "old climate of secrecy and completely open about decision- suspicion" was replaced by making. Since the start, every By discussing the risks and "modern, open arrangements, board meeting at which food policy uncertainties with a broad range of which will help to command has been discussed and decided has individuals and organisations with confidence." At the end of my been held in public. Typically, different perspectives, the FSA has period as Chairman of this new UK between 50 and 100 observers improved its understanding of wide, non-ministerial government attend in person, and at my last acceptable risk and therefore of department, what progress had the meeting as Chairman, held in ways of managing uncertainty. Agency made? Edinburgh in March, a further 1,800 Experience has shown that this It is notoriously difficult to measure watched us on the live web-cast. open and inclusive way of making trust and confidence, but several Another promise was that we would decisions works better than the recent surveys suggest that the be open and honest about risk and older approach of "decide, Agency has, as a result of both its uncertainty. I have always said "life announce and defend". actions and its way of doing is not risk free" and, in this regard, While most people see a clear role business, begun to build food is no different from crossing for government and for regulators in confidence. For instance, a 2003 the road or getting out of bed. the area of food safety, there is Norwegian study found public In risk assessment, top quality much less agreement about who – confidence in food safety to be the science (including social sciences) is individuals, parents, the authorities highest of six EU member states essential, and the Agency gets much – should take responsibility for (Figure 1) and the Agency’s own of its expert advice from nine tackling the risks from poor diet. annual surveys of consumer independent scientific advisory Nutrition is part of the Agency’s attitudes shows that trust in the FSA committees populated by leading remit, but to what extent should it has increased (Figure 2). experts from the UK and elsewhere. be involved in determining the Trust is fragile and the Agency still This rigorous, impartial, scientific choices on offer to people, and the has a long way to travel on its approach is the crucial information that goes with them? journey. To assess progress after underpinning of the Agency’s As in all its work, the Agency has five years, and learn from this for independence from particular started by garnering the evidence. the future, the FSA Board recently interest groups, including A report from the Scientific commissioned a thorough and politicians. It also, on occasions, Advisory Committee on Nutrition independent review, carried out by brought us into conflict with those (SACN) is the basis for the Agency’s Baroness Dean of Thornton-le- whose views are based on assertion Fylde. 125 organisations and and belief rather than evidence. individuals commented on the But, unlike the textbook science Agency’s performance to date. The taught at school, the reality is often majority thought that the FSA has messy, with uncertainties or gaps in lived up to its promises. knowledge. In dealing with Expectations are now high, and the uncertainty, such as the possibility second five years will be even more of BSE having infected sheep, the challenging than the first. The Agency is always honest about the Dean review also made 22 limitations of the science.

2 Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 2 Whit 2005 work, along with the Department of called "Sid the Slug," to raise public Health, on cutting people’s salt awareness of the risks of too much consumption. The SACN report salt, so that consumer "pull" and reaffirmed the link between eating industry "push" work together. too much salt, high blood pressure The Agency is also basing its other and hence heart disease. On nutrition work on evidence, average we eat 50 per cent more salt including promotion and marketing than we should, and much of this salt of food to children, nutrient is added for us in food manufacturing. profiling, and the development of From what was more or less a simple front-of-pack signposting for standing start two years ago, action nutrition labelling. The Agency is In terms of choice and safety, the by the food industry has started to involving the food industry, as well food lives of most people in the UK reduce salt in certain processed as consumer organisations, in this are probably better today than ever foods, and long term plans for work as it progresses. before. But at the same time, our further reductions are now being The FSA’s role is public protection, food supply is complex and global, put forward. These commitments and one of the tools it can use is and many of the foods people eat should, over five years, meet the regulation. However, rather than are highly processed. The Agency’s target of reducing average always creating new rules for the challenges for the food industry of salt intake from about 9.5 grams to food industry, the Agency’s managing risk and standards were the recommended 6.0 grams per preference, taking into account the shown clearly by the recent incident person per day. As the President of level of risk, is to achieve its aim of in which an illegal adulterant, the the Food and Drink Federation, consumer protection by a red dye Sudan 1, found its way into said in his recent annual address, combination of support and more than 550 different products. this is an excellent example of the recognition for businesses, The industry is responsible for the Food Standards Agency and the voluntary action by the food standards and safety of the food it food industry working together to industry and public awareness. makes and sells, but both industry achieve benefits for public health. The success of the FSA’s approach is and the public benefit from the At the same time, the Agency acknowledged in Philip Hampton’s oversight of an independent and launched a public education recent review of independent transparent Food Standards Agency initiative, built around a character regulators. that puts consumers’ interests first.

OPINION National Museum of Science & Industry: The C21 Museum In Action

Lindsay Sharp, Director, National Museum of Science & Industry

odern economies are built technologists and innovators, is upon strong scientific and vital to the survival of such Mtechnical foundations. "scientific nations". publics to understand new Success, in terms of prosperity and developments and their quality of life, can only be achieved However, we are witnessing a implications. The result, often by countries that wholeheartedly decline in various science and influenced in part by media, is embrace good science. An technology specialisms. This trend increasing cynicism and a steady informed public, from which come has been exacerbated by the erosion of future scientifically and new generations of scientists, unwillingness or inability of lay technologically driven prosperity.

Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 2 Whit 2005 3 All countries need an informed and Science Museum’s new Energy advanced humanoid robots and aware public. And the public, in Gallery. Opened in July 2004 and debates on key issues such as turn, needs somewhere to turn for targeted at children aged seven to identity cards, MRSA and independent and unbiased fourteen years, their teachers and Nanotechnology. Forthcoming perspectives. NMSI meets this families, this curriculum-linked events include a debate asking requirement perfectly: it has a deep gallery encourages visitors to "what is the greatest threat to understanding of how we arrived at explore the vital role energy plays society in the future – climate our present condition, derived from in our society and question how change, pandemics such as Avian its collections of science, we’ll meet future demands when Flu, or terrorism?" technology and human ingenuity. deposits of fossil fuels run out. A Today, NMSI resources are accessed further example is the new As well as stimulating scientific by over 12 million people each Nanotechnology exhibition opened debate and dialogue among its year. Four million of them are at the Science Museum in March audiences, NMSI also complements visitors to the group’s national 2005. Sponsored by the learning organisations in their quest museums, located in London, Department of Trade & Industry to make sense of science and Yorkshire, Co. Durham and and opened by Lord Sainsbury, this technology and to better achieve Wiltshire, and a further eight exhibition looks at issues their aims. Its outreach and million are individual visitors to surrounding this controversial new learning departments are among the NMSI’s award winning websites. technology. It presents the facts in best in the world, reaching over an informed and balanced way and 400,000 young people every year The NMSI museums have over asks visitors to consider and through specific outreach and 500,000 objects in their collections, express a view on how curriculum-linked learning across five sites – Science Museum, Nanotechnology might impact on schemes. London; National Railway Museum, their lives in the future. York; National Museum of Initiatives like the Department for Photography, Film & Television, NMSI engages with individuals Culture, Media & Sport/ Bradford; Locomotion: NRM at through exposition, experiment and Department for Education & Skills Shildon, Co. Durham; and NMSI in dialogue. Both the Science sponsored "Anim8ed" project Wroughton – and in store. Museum and NRM, for example, stimulate individual creativity and hold regular "Sleepovers" which fresh thinking in a fun and friendly The group is also custodian to provide an enjoyable educational environment. The project run by collections of a further 5 million experience and fun for children and NMPFT, in conjunction with two two-dimensional items. These were accompanying adults. Events regional museums, explores the recently further enriched by the consist of an evening of planned potential of animation as a learning acquisition of the Royal hands-on activities rounded off by tool for supporting a variety of Photographic Society (RPS) camping in the Museum overnight. subjects across the National collection, arguably the world’s Curriculum, using the museums’ greatest, now housed at NMPFT. But it is not just children that NMSI collections to inspire young people We are also stewards, through the is engaging in a new kind of to create their own animations. Science Museum, to one of the scientific dialogue. The Science greatest international collections of Museum’s Dana Centre, opened in With four national museums spread the history of medicine, The Henry November 2003, is a state of the art across the country and a range of Wellcome Collection. venue for adults to take part in cutting edge online and emerging Using its unrivalled collections, exciting, informative and innovative broadcast initiatives, NMSI’s NMSI can take a sceptical, balanced debates about contemporary engagement with its publics is and questioning approach to all science, technology and culture. broad and multifaceted. Both on its developments in science and These, along with entertainments, own and in partnership with other technology. We may not have all demonstrations, international link- like-minded organisations, the the answers but, vitally, NMSI puts ups and a range of formats, take opportunity now exists on an individuals in a position where they place with maximum informality to unprecedented scale to give can make up their own minds from tackle, head on, subjects that are meaning to science and its the unbiased information that we important to everyday lives – application through human provide. As a result, every year, it getting to the real science behind ingenuity, to inspire new is the trusted reference point for the headlines. Events to date have generations, and to empower millions. included a live projection of a heart individuals and communities operation performed by surgeons in around the globe. NMSI is One of those reference points is the the US, demonstrations of the most committed to this goal.

4 Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 2 Whit 2005 ANNUAL LUNCHEON OF THE PARLIAMENTARY AND SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

The Annual Lunch was held on Wednesday 9th February 2005

ord Soulsby of Swaffham Prior, the President of the LCommittee, introduced the guests including Bob May, President of the Royal Society; Alec Broers, President of the Royal Academy of Engineering; Roy Anderson, Chief Scientific Adviser, MoD; Howard Dalton, Chief Scientific Adviser, DEFRA; Paul Wiles, Chief Scientific Adviser, Home Office; Julia Higgins, Chairman, EPSRC; and Graeme Davies, Chairman, CCLRC. He then paid tribute to last year’s Guest of Honour, Chris Patten, who offered us his unequivocal support for the "top-up" scheme which will be introduced in the autumn of 2006, and who recently hit out at Ministers who criticised Oxford for its admissions procedures and the Mr Richard Page MP, Lord Soulsby and Lord Waldegrave disproportionately high intake from private schools, pledging that all celebrate the recent prevailed upon by a very Oxford will "scour every part of announcement that existing UK distinguished role model for Britain for talent", but will not legislation is to be extended to women in engineering, Baroness apologise for taking the best protect both scientists and the Platt of Writtle, to become Patron of applicants even if educated in the general public from extremist WISE, which encourages everyone independent sector. Animal Rights Campaigners. to think about the issues and to The Government regards UK Tur ning to the Guest of Honour, consider careers in science and science as a national asset which Lord Soulsby introduced HRH The engineering for women. There are produces some of the best science Princess Royal who responded by many women’s organisations which and the best scientists in the world. indicating how pleased she was to do not fulfil the role for which they We undertake 5% of the world’s see so many ladies present and gave were originally set up, but this one science, produce 9% of the world’s thanks for the warm welcome from really does. scientific papers, receive 12% of the the Parliamentary and Scientific The Parliamentary and Scientific citations of scientific papers, Committee, which the Duke of Committee has a broad brief, including 13% of the world’s most Edinburgh had also addressed six membership and range of expertise cited papers, with only 1% of the years previously. Although a Past and knowledge and it would be a world’s population. Master and co-member with Lord mistake to suggest that I know In 1997/98 the Government’s Soulsby of the Worshipful much about any of them. But my science budget was only £1.3 Company of Farriers, she stated short version of this speech says billion, rising by 2007/8 to £3.3 that this was hardly a qualification, that I did A-level Geography. I billion enabling Research Councils but having no others for anything would also like to have done to increase the research they except an A-level in Geography, Physics and Biology, but because I support and to start rebuilding the confessed that "this is about as could not do Chemistry, this was scientific infrastructure. The scientific as I get. I have probably not permitted. When I left school I closure of University Science come under the heading of an wanted to go to the local Departments is considered a major honorary man in most of the things polytechnic to do engineering, but I failure of the system for funding that I have done and been asked to was not brave enough. If I could Higher Education. How is Britain do, so I am not the ideal person to ask what would have made the going to manage when lead the discussion on women in difference about decisions on the mathematics, chemistry and physics science, engineering and subjects I was prepared to take or are under such dire threat? We can technology, except that I was the place I went to study, I suspect

Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 2 Whit 2005 5 the sexes do differ; secondly, women seem to have specialised more as a group to be better at empathy and men seem to have specialised more to become better systemisers; and thirdly, more women seem balanced. I’m absolutely certain that this arises from selective evolutionary pressure, and the suggestion that you might be able to eradicate these influences in a couple of hundred years is probably a little far-fetched. We can also conclude that you cannot tell what kind of brain a person has from their gender – HRH The Princess Royal talks to guests. Credit: Mervyn L de Calcina-Goff which is possibly the most that it would be a single person that evidence that women’s and men’s important result of that study. I would have met at the right time brains are subtly different. I am Teachers will have to ensure that at the right place – and there is no pleased because it is quite they are appealing to all types of system which can ensure that this important that there is a difference learning needs and John Head will happen. One can only raise and that they are interested in (1996) suggested that four the awareness of the issues which different aspects of their generalisations can be made: prevent young women from environment. 1) Females tend to imbed choosing certain subjects, such as Do these differences reflect aptitude information in its context, males the teaching profession, and then or interest? Some intriguing data tend to extract it from its context introduce those individuals to each suggest it is the latter. On the 2) Females are more reflective, other and give them the support to empathy quotient there is one males more impulsive make decisions, which maybe their which asks a range of questions 3) When something goes wrong family, their circumstances or their about how interested you are in females are more likely to blame schools, would not have considered people and their emotional lives themselves, males put the blame appropriate subjects for them to and how involved you become in elsewhere take up. And then I would leave it other people’s feelings – women as 4) Females are more likely to co- to you. That is the short version. a group score higher than men. On operate and males to compete. The longer version is a bit longer. the systemising quotient which asks Are these true and how do you deal Gender issues are also very much you how interested you are in with exceptions? How should more difficult. Here are a couple of systems of different kinds you won’t schools respond, as by the time anecdotes, which I hope you have be surprised to hear that men as a children enter school they already not heard previously. group score higher than women. have definite views on what is WH Smith’s 2002 Christmas And this has given rise to the idea men’s or women’s work. Science is catalogue included in the Gifts for that in a typical female brain still perceived as a male domain Boys section the Science Kit, the interest in empathy is stronger than and as an objective and WHS Science Gift Pack and interest in systems. Of course, a dispassionate world of facts and Inventor’s Handbook on Flying proportion of both sexes are equally figures, without creative influence. Machines and Robots, and in the interested in emotions and systems. The physical sciences appear Gifts for Girls section, there were A research group at Cambridge unrelated to life, impersonal and Ballet Bag, Barbie and Rapunzel, University has recently analysed the Cool Texting Gift Pack and WHS proportion of each gender with Felicity Wishes Gift Packs. each of these profiles, and the Everybody, especially children, are results are striking. For every ten rather conditioned by those sort of men, six will have a male brain, assumptions that exist in wider two will have a balanced brain and society, so maybe girls’ alienation two will have a female brain. In from science begins at that very contrast, for every ten women, four early age. will have a female brain, four will There is no evidence at all that have a balanced brain and two will scientific ability is genetically have a male brain, which inclines Lord Soulsby and Baroness Platt of Writtle. determined. However, there is us to certain conclusions. Firstly, Credit: Mervyn L de Calcina-Goff

6 Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 2 Whit 2005 concerned only with demonstrating scientific truth. Pupils asked to draw a scientist produced one who in nearly every case is white, male, with facial hair, in a white labcoat working alone in a laboratory. It would be funny if it wasn’t a stereotype that alienates girls, contributes to attainment gaps, especially between white and Afro-Caribbean pupils and between family homes where the parents may be unskilled manual workers rather than managerial or professional. Lord Flowers, Professor Peter Saunders, Dr Ian Gibson MP, Professor Dame Julia Higgins and In Britain we have a shortage of Professor Peter Jost science and maths teachers which There are some excellent role becoming interested in a science means that not enough pupils models for women, such as career after leaving school, such as receive an education in science Baroness Platt. She has made a the new foundation degree course sufficiently inspiring to take it up as successful career in science and is at Birkbeck and in the School of a career, and they are not an inspiration for many, especially Pharmacy, for laboratory progressing to higher education or through her position in WISE, technicians working in the NHS. teacher training, hence the current which rewards young women who The internet and the wordwideweb shortage of good teachers will have not only done well become even more acute. However, are important tools and should be themselves, but have gone back to used to raise awareness of what is with Government and Wellcome their schools, clubs, and Trust funding, new science learning available. It should provide women universities and inspired other with the opportunity to investigate centres are being established to re- younger women to follow them. invigorate science teaching. The types of careers, things they need to Science Learning Centre, London, Last week I attended the celebration do, things they need to understand was opened at the University of of the Scottish Women’s Hospitals before they actually have to appear London’s Institute of Education in opened in France in 1914 under for interview. 2004 with an objective to make the French Red Cross, at the In a press release launching the science relevant, interesting and Abbaye de Royaumont, led by Dr Women@CL website in December inclusive for all pupils by study of Elsie Inglis, although she had 2004, the Project Director, properties of metals relating to previously been rejected by the Professor Ursula Martin of Queen jewellery design, different types of British Government on the basis Mary College, described their aim fabric and transport, for example. that France was not a nice place for as "to shatter the frosted glass women to be. In England and Wales 50% of ceiling – it is not that it is chemistry students are female, and To some, Ellen MacArthur is just a unbreakable, it is just that we have 75% of the advanced level physics sailor, but you only have to listen to had difficulty in seeing through it." students are male. In Scotland her and see the inside of the boat You are a very important preferences for particular topics that withstood the strain of averaging organisation for influencing a wide have remained stubbornly gender- 16 knots around the world, to realise range of bodies, and I am sure that related, with females preferring the understanding of science and you have all done a lot to topics such as living things and the engineering that she thoroughly encourage women into your various processes of life whereas energy, mastered, coupled with her skill sectors, institutions and professions. earth and space are preferred by and determination to complete the We need to do more for women boys. Females are less likely to circumnavigation in record time. and for science and engineering, choose physics at advanced level, She also has remarkable parents but if we focus that effort on but still do as well as the males. who gave her their full support. women, then there is a very good The gender balance for veterinary Your mother is the most important chance we may solve the whole of medicine was 80% men and 20% role model. Some universities are the problem. women, whereas currently 20% are now organising public lectures and Thank you for your invitation. men and 80% are women. The science events for such people who Maybe your next debate will Basic Skills Agency works with have some influence on the enlarge what I have mentioned both primary and secondary youngest generation and show today. It is an issue in which I am schools which also provides a them how science fits into their interested. There are a lot of very platform to help move people on lives and pass on that enthusiasm. useful women out there who would into sciences. There are opportunities for those like to do more. Thank you."

Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 2 Whit 2005 7 FROM THE SCENE OF CRIME TO THE COURTHOUSE MEETING OF THE PARLIAMENTARY AND SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE ON MONDAY, 28TH FEBRUARY 2005

Crime is big business, it causes untold harm on our streets, damage to our communities and nets billions of pounds each year for those responsible. It blights vulnerable communities, ruining lives and instilling fear. As criminals become more sophisticated, so we must raise our game to fight it. We must make better use of science and technology to stay ahead to reduce the harm it does to the UK and its citizens. Bill Hughes describes how he directs the SOCA and collaborates with international partners where he uses all the means at his disposal to attack and disrupt the often very complex and multifaceted worlds of serious and organised crime. Gloria Laycock presents scientific methods used in crime management and policing with the primary aim of preventing or reducing crime. Gary Pugh discusses his work on the scene of crime and new approaches in the interpretation and presentation of forensic evidence, designed to support the Metropolitan Police Service as a world leader in the use of forensic science. Tackling Organised Crime William Hughes, Director General Designate, Serious Organised Crime Agency

he new Serious Organised professional bodies to undermine However, before SOCA can start Crime Agency (SOCA) will, organised crime. measuring harm reduction, we need Tfrom April 2006, bring It will take a radical and innovative to first understand the business together four key law enforcement approach to act decisively and methodologies of crime. agencies (National Crime Squad, swiftly to destabilise organised From source to street National Criminal Intelligence criminal enterprises and will focus Service, the investigative and on disruption and dismantling and If the UK really hopes to undermine intelligence work of Her Majesty’s other interventions as well as serious organised crime in the UK, Customs and Excise on serious drug arresting and prosecuting. It will we have to be radical. We must not trafficking and the recovery of send out a clear strong message to rely upon law enforcement alone, or related criminal assets, and the those who think they can promote even the old tried and tested Immigration Service’s serious organised crime in the UK. methods. We have to deal with the responsibilities for organised causes of serious organised crime immigration crime). But SOCA is no What do we mean by "Harm" and not keep addressing the mere amalgamation of existing reduction? symptoms. At the moment, every agencies. It will be bigger and more This is a new departure for us in the time we bust a major OCE, another effective than the sum of its parts. UK – to move away from the old steps in because the rewards are SOCA will target serious organised "bean-counting" approach of the high and the risks, by comparison, crime that impacts on the UK. It past. The Home Office and others are low. will work to a clear system for are seeking to measure harm caused We have to reverse this scenario so prioritising operational targets, and to the UK – not simply economic that the risks become much greater its approach will capitalise upon the harm, but real lasting damage to the than the reward, and the rewards experience of the law enforcement fabric of our society. This is what become disproportionate to the community nationally and will make SOCA unique. It will risks. The UK has to be perceived as internationally founded on robust seek to make the UK the most a hostile place to do business. This and evidence-based techniques, hostile environment in which means a sea-change in our approach within a framework of clear legal serious organised crime can operate. to the threat. guidance and high professional We currently believe that the harm Therefore when we remove an standards. caused by serious organised crime is organised crime group, we must SOCA will be intelligence-led and valued at a minimum of £20 billion, review and understand how their will use tactics from conventional and possibly up to £40 billion. But business was constructed and why evidence gathering to private sector what price can be put upon wrecked they were successful so that we can initiatives and interaction with lives or wrecked businesses? destroy the facilitation support

8 Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 2 Whit 2005 structure. This will allow us to that can be recovered from crime loss of technical and forensic provide evidence to government scenes. The commodity itself will be environmental leadership and the and to professional institutions and analysed not only to profile and criminal will only need to keep up regulatory bodies, so that, instead of check against other seizures but to with the market to stay ahead of law relying upon anecdote, we can give develop understanding on the enforcement. factual detail on how these manufacture process. For example, UK law enforcement therefore has businesses work and how they are Class A drugs that find their way to not only to educate our non-law able to take advantage of the the UK are all similar in appearance enforcement partners in the criminal justice system. at the point of entry. These are handling of intelligence but then to In the business world, hostile pressed, packaged and branded to a trust them to do so. The role of takeovers are commonplace. very high "industrial" standard; it is regulatory bodies or professional Predators will conduct a detailed forensic science that will provide institutions will be vital in this analysis on the target company’s the investigation teams with regard. We cannot approach the business. The individual analysis for knowledge of process and the private or public sector in the areas such as outlet sites, materials involved in production semblance of partnership without management and workforce and distribution. living up to the spirit of it. We need structures, profits and losses, and SOCA Forensics will therefore to share what we know with them. productivity rates will contribute to provide a holistic approach to the Equally, they need to value the trust a composite from which the whole investigation process, we have placed in them. SOCA will predator will identify the facilitating total forensic ownership provide the opportunity to harvest vulnerabilities, both at individual from conception to conclusion in the forensic output, maximise sites and as a collective whole. It court and not start from when a operational effectiveness and direct will inform and formulate its take- crime scene is identified, as has research and development through over strategy, which will be tailor- traditionally been the case. This joint agency collaboration. This will made with specific tactics to attack approach will engage specialist and involve the exploitation of national individual sites. sensitive operational techniques and international forensic databases Such principles can be applied to uniquely tailored to support the for the evaluation and aggregation the drugs market. In knowing the investigation of organised crime. In of forensic product and will support composite structure of the heroin or addition it will support law decision-making through the cocaine market from strategic enforcement by providing guidance tasking and co-ordinating process. assessments, we can apply a and specialist operational capabilities when appropriate. So how will we know that we are simultaneous strategy of having an impact? enforcement and intervention using SOCA forensic scene examiners will be investigators rather than just If we successfully understand the all our resources, to weaken and serious organised crime business, disrupt serious organised crime and evidence gatherers, and will be highly trained and vetted specialists then we should also know when the thus destabilise the market. The commodity supply is altered, or the alternative is to carry on attacking able to work and manage the dynamic and complex surveillance organised crime enterprises change individual silos. If so, then whilst their methods of operation. we might impact significantly on environment. They will support them, we are probably not doing lawfully intrusive aspects to If we understand the business from much to fragment the drugs market operations, providing assistance source to street, we should know in the UK. with planning and evidence when street prices or purity levels gathering. In particular, specialist have changed, when supply is The private sector has long teams able to operate covertly difficult; and when distribution recognised that scientific managed anywhere in the world recovering centres have altered or disappeared. processes are a vehicle to deliver samples for analysis and using the The intelligence does not stop when and SOCA’s Forensic Service will latest technologies can send we put the operation in place to play a significant part in exploiting electronic exhibits back to the attack. As law enforcement officers, those methods to develop that forensic unit in the UK with results we need to see the benefits of understanding around the business within hours rather than days. continuing intelligence gathering methodologies adopted by and analysis as the operation criminals. Whilst prosecutions are Partnerships occurs. At the moment our fixation central to the disruption and Multi-agency working is not a new is on the arrests, seizures of drugs dismantling of organised criminal concept and there are many and the subsequent prosecutions, enterprises more emphasis is being examples of effective partnership and not upon the harm caused. We put on forensic science to support initiatives at all levels of law need to quickly attain a better that process than ever before. enforcement. overall picture of the problem. If we However, forensic resources are For example, new digital are not preventing the business of finite and are operating in a technologies are entering the market drugs getting to the street, then no changing operational environment place and are being constantly matter how many arrests we make that is subject to external market updated at a rapid rate. There is a and however many kilogrammes of forces. As such we must maximise need to stay ahead of the criminals drugs we seize, we will fail in our the use and benefits of this and this requires project-managed mission. expensive area through the pro- research and development to ensure active use of forensics. "first mover" advantages so that the So where does all this take us? "Every contact leaves a trace" – it’s organisation remains at the cutting Law enforcement has to review its not just about fingerprints and DNA edge. Slow development equals the role and tasks. It is about focusing

Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 2 Whit 2005 9 on the entire business of serious Sometimes, we will be constrained defeat serious organised crime. We organised crime, and ensuring we by the market-place, political and want serious organised crime to fear have the intelligence support that legal factors. They are there to make us and our methods. We will, properly tells us what is happening life more interesting and properly and ethically, turn their and how it works. challenging, and we will seek to own lieutenants against them, We must develop multi-agency understand them, and wherever whether to give evidence at their approaches and strategic alliances possible, seek to change them, trials, or, even more importantly, to across the world. This is more than properly and with well reasoned tell us how they operate and simply liaison and attending arguments, supported by evidence. succeed, so that our intelligence conferences together. This is real co- That evidence will be based upon picture is complete. operation and joint working, and high quality, timely and accurate Our successes will be common sometimes it is difficult. Egos and intelligence. successes for us all. Serious organised status can sometimes intrude on We will operate jointly and crime is a business. Our business is good working relationships. effectively to disrupt, disable and to put their business out of business.

FROM THE SCENE OF CRIME TO THE COURTHOUSE

Policing and Crime Prevention

Gloria Laycock Professor of Crime Science, University College London

hen John Kennedy Science can help this task in at least To anyone with a scientific became President of the four ways. First, the police and background these ideas might seem WUSA he made two their partners need to think totally obvious – what else would promises to the American people. scientifically. They need to use you do? But a surprising number The first was to get a man on the data, logic, evidence and rationality; of people take exception to the idea moon and the second was to they need to test hypotheses and that science can contribute to a set eliminate poverty. He only establish knowledge. Secondly, the of socially defined problems like delivered on one of those promises techniques of the scientist need to crime and disorder. It is, for and it was the one where he be brought to bear on our example, quite revolutionary for listened to the scientists. If we are understanding of crime and its some of our public policy serious about bringing crime under causes. We need to get away from colleagues to hear that control and being able to say how the emotional rhetoric so beloved of experimentation might be a good we did it, then we, also, need to politicians and take a cold hard idea. The Government regularly start listening to scientists. look at what is going on. Thirdly, launches "pilot schemes" but well Reflecting this idea the Jill Dando as we begin to understand crime before anyone has had the chance Institute of Crime Science (JDI) was better we see that science can help to say whether or not they work, established at University College in preventing crimes from we hear that the prize new idea is London in 2001. The Institute was happening, and finally, recognising to be launched across the country founded with support from the Jill that the probability of capture is with a fanfare of trumpets. That is Dando Fund of over £1million – more significant than what for not the way of a true scientist. money raised by the Trustees – many is the remote possibility of Another attribute of crime science, much of it from the general public punishment, science can help in which is how we characterise this who were appalled at the murder of catching offenders more quickly approach, is that it is multi- Jill Dando, a popular TV presenter, and bringing them to justice. In disciplinary. An epidemiologist, for on her own doorstep. Our aim at this brief paper I will concentrate example, or an electrical engineer the JDI is to change the way in on the first three ways in which we can have a significant contribution which people think about crime feel science to be relevant to crime to make to the reduction of crime. and respond to it. reduction. The closest analogy is perhaps with

10 Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 2 Whit 2005 medical science where we are used characteristics. They can be Future plans to the idea that to keep us well, or characterised as fitting the acronym We are hugely optimistic that this make us better, a whole range of CRAVED. They are concealable, approach is right. It rings true with sciences contribute. The same is removable, available, valuable, practitioners who are keenly true for crime science. enjoyable and disposable. interested, for once, in academic Anything fitting this acronym needs What do we know about crime research! There are, inevitably, extra protection. The most obvious ways in which the approach could and its prevention? example is cash, but TVs, videos be improved, and its We know that conventional and of course the mobile phone, are implementation speeded up. The policing, which relies for its effect also vulnerable. That is where the data, for example, which is the life upon general and specific electronic engineer comes in, by blood of any science, is often deterrence and incapacitation, has designing goods so that they do not poorly recorded in police data limits. Offenders fairly quickly work if stolen. systems and we have to go through learn that they will probably not get hoops for months at a time to get As with any science the starting caught – so the deterrent effect of access to the kind of detail on point is the collection and analysis sentencing is reduced. offending that we need in order to of data. The discovery that victims We know that crime is common: carry out our research. If anyone are repeatedly victimised has been 33% of males will have a conviction tells you that the Data Protection described as one of the most by the age of 46; half will be Act is not a problem for researchers significant findings of the 1990s. convicted only once, just over half then please refer them to me! We know from the British Crime will have a criminal career of less We would like to persuade the than a year and nearly half will be Survey that about 4% of victims Government to apply Section 17 of convicted of theft for handling suffer 44% of crime. It the Crime and Disorder Act (which stolen goods. So although a lot of concentrates. Looking just at says that local authorities need to people commit crime they do not property crime, 3% of victims take account of the crime do it for long and it is arguably not account for 51% of crime. Prior consequences of their policies) to very serious. They do it because it victimisation, for a vast range of all statutory agencies. This would is easy. And they are distinct from offences, is the best predictor of make a major difference to policy the "proper" or "professional" future risk. Furthermore repeat development and ultimately to offenders who are not so easily crimes occur quickly after the crime control. deterred and of whom there are far original offence, which offers the There are also, as with any fewer. They are the ones who really opportunity for immediate developments in science, the do need to be caught. targeting. One of the reasons that frustrations of raising money for pet We know that the immediate high crime areas have high crime ideas. We know that our ideas situation within which we find rates is simply because there are have practical implications – they ourselves is a powerful determinant more repeat victims in those areas. are not pie in the sky – the country of what we do. And it is easier to Work carried out by Shane Johnson needs them! Persuading fund change situations than it is to and Kate Bowers at the JDI, using holders of this is a wholly different change people. The crime patterns techniques from epidemiology matter. I find myself saying "just that we see are a reflection of the (their backgrounds are mathematics trust me" – whilst being painfully criminal opportunities that the and computer science), has shown aware that that is so unscientific. situation offers. that domestic burglary not only As a blunt summary: clusters in space – ie homes are Crime patterns are constantly ● Please don’t underestimate how changing in reflection of this. For vulnerable to repeat burglary, but it radical our agenda is. also clusters in time – you get what example the Internet has opened up ● As we move into the next opportunities for new crimes but might be called a "spate" of election all the political parties also new ways of committing old offending, which then moves. In will be competing to put more ones. It also offers stealth and high crime disadvantaged areas it is officers on the street – this anonymity to those with the the original victim that is at risk but misses the point entirely! necessary skills. E-crime can easily in more affluent areas it is their ● We need an agency independent open up multiple opportunities for immediate neighbours. This of Government to press the crime in one event. For a burglary, increased vulnerability lasts for a crime prevention/design agenda. there is one opportunity per event, number of weeks, but is greatest in ● The Data Protection Act protects but if a hacker opens up a bank’s the first few days. These results are data not people. Access to point files this offers the opportunity to opening up all sorts of crime data for researchers needs to be steal from many different bank prevention and detection mandated. accounts in one operation. possibilities which, with Home ● Scientists really can reduce crime We have also learned that crime- Office funding, we are now testing but at present politics gets in the prone goods have certain in a police force area. way!

Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 2 Whit 2005 11 FROM THE SCENE OF CRIME TO THE COURTHOUSE Delivery and Development of Forensic Services in the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS)

Gary Pugh, Director of Forensic Services, Metropolitan Police Service

he MPS Directorate of ● future developments in the digital have the potential to uniquely Forensic Services is playing and microchip technology that characterise an individual, they do Tan increasing role in making will allow for rapid identification not change over time and can be London safer by identifying the of offenders, streamline processes recovered from crime scenes and perpetrators of crime, providing and enable more effective victims. This is illustrated in a evidence to eliminate or associate interpretation of forensic evidence. recent terrorist case where one of the key individuals involved was those suspected of committing The establishment of forensic identified through the recovery of a crime and contributing to an databases of fingerprints and DNA understanding of criminality in finger mark on the packaging of a profiles in the last ten years has mobile phone recovered from a safe London. The major expansion in resulted in a significant and the use of forensic services is driven house and used to communicate the strategic shift in the focus of bomb warning. The individual was by the success of forensic databases forensic services from being about of fingerprints and DNA. The not known to anti-terrorist branch the courts and evidence to being and had been entered onto the increased contribution is delivered one of the primary means of in the MPS through the provision of national fingerprint databases many identifying potential perpetrators in years earlier for a relatively minor in-house services, such as crime all types of crime. scene and fingerprint examination, offence. and the integration and use of The UK national fingerprint The collection of fingerprints or external forensic science services. A database consists of over 5 million DNA is determined by statute and rapid and responsive service is fingerprint records with over eight following the implementation of the required from all those involved in hundred thousand unmatched most recent Criminal Justice Act, the forensic business with the latent finger marks from crime which allows for fingerprints and DNA to be taken from individuals emphasis on accuracy, speed and scenes. By contrast the national arrested for recordable offences, informing decision making at all DNA database contains over 2.5 million DNA profiles and has over sampling levels have increased in stages of the investigative and the MPS by 50%. Fingerprint criminal justice processes. two hundred thousand unmatched DNA profiles from crime scenes. examination and DNA profiling are The increased use of forensic complementary in their application. Even allowing for a high proportion services is shaped by four strategic Fingerprint examination which is of the finger marks and DNA drivers: still the primary method of profiles recovered from crime scenes ● an increased level of intervention forensically tackling crime provides that are not the perpetrator’s the the only rapid means of confirming in all crime, volume of unmatched fingerprint ● the identity of individuals through a need to achieve a step and DNA records represents a the ability in custody suites to "scan reduction in the time taken for all significant opportunity to solve crime. and search" the fingerprints of those forensic examinations, The power of the forensic databases arrested. On the other hand DNA ● the use of forensic intelligence to is derived from the features of profiling with its genetic origins link crimes and inform an forensic information contained in allows for identity to be established understanding of criminality, and fingerprints and DNA in that they through familial testing and there

12 Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 2 Whit 2005 are an increasing range of DNA tests range of chemical treatments that Future technology will challenge that can be used in crime allow for invisible latent finger current models for delivery of investigation; mitochondrial DNA marks and traces of body fluids to forensic services with the potential that allows for the analysis of bones be revealed through imaging and to carry out DNA or Class A drug and hair, Y chromosome testing that photo luminescent techniques. The testing in the custody suite. We will has applications in sexually motivated more thorough and detailed capture be able to identify offenders while crime where it is important to of the crime scene provides an in custody and streamline processes isolate the male component of a opportunity to understand the to deal with offenders so that action forensic sample and single sequences of events and to test the can be taken quickly to minimise nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP’s) account of witnesses or suspects. the risk of further offending and allow for analysis of degraded or old The use of computer presentation rehabilitate or deter offenders. DNA samples. All of this technology also allows technology to have other There is also a wider agenda with can be brought to bear in the applications such as minimising the respect to not only the use of identification of victims of mass distress to the families of homicide technology but the roles of forensic disasters. MPS Forensic Services has victims by removing the body from staff in the police service. As well as deployed teams to Thailand to assist the crime scene. using more sophisticated technology in the identification of those The response from Forensic Services to locate, recover, analyse and tragically killed by the Tsunami. is required in hours and days rather interpret forensic material, forensic The increased power of forensic than weeks and months to minimise staff have an important role in databases has encouraged greater further offending. forensic services dealing with the victims of crime use of forensic services. For is now very much a 24/7 business and providing reassurance. Whether example, the number of crime at the front line of policing. The photographing a victim of an scenes examined by MPS forensic adoption of intelligence-led assault, dealing with someone who staff has increased to over 11,000 a approaches by police forces and has been burgled or seeking to month, mainly from burglary and national agencies through the UK preserve a homicide scene at the volume crime. The intervention rate National Intelligence Model opens family home of the victim, forensic or the proportion of crime scenes up an opportunity for Forensic staff require an awareness of the examined in MPS is currently Services to contribute to a wider distress caused by crime. As part of running at 90% of residential intelligence picture. This could be the modernisation agenda the burglaries, 9% of street robberies through using fingerprints and DNA forensic staff will become the sole and 10% of vehicle crimes. This has to track and identify those involved response to burglary in the MPS resulted in increases in the volume in criminal activity at national and area negating the need for a police of forensic material recovered and international level. The MPS officer to attend. This approach is most importantly the number of provides the support to national not only more efficient with a target suspects identified. agencies involved in counter to deal with burglary scenes within Traditionally, forensic services terrorism activity and since the four hours but maximises forensic contribute to serious crime dramatic events of 9/11 we have recovery and minimises the distress investigation such as homicide and made extensive use of national and to victims allowing them quickly to this is very much still the case with international databases to reveal return to a normal life. new technology allowing for the identities and movements of Overarching all of this is the absolute recovery of smaller and more individuals that have been key need to maintain public confidence challenging finger marks and DNA. sources of intelligence. Using in the use of forensic services in The modern day Sherlock Holmes forensic databases of fingerprints general and the forensic databases is normally attired in a white over and DNA and looking to other in particular. In the UK we have the suit, facemask and overshoes and forensic information about criminal most well developed use of forensic uses a vast array of physical and commodities such as firearms or databases in the world and the chemical methods to recover drugs provides the opportunity to effective governance and operation of forensic evidence. This technology contribute to tackle criminal these databases is paramount to their includes specialised light sources networks and reduce harm from continued use in the investigation and photography combined with a serious and organised crime. and reduction of crime.

In discussion the following points were made: Anyone arrested or detained for questioning can have their DNA collected for storage on the DNA national database without any prior need for permission. The use of part of the DNA molecule to predict human characteristics for criminal profiling is an area for research, but is not currently applied to crime prevention. Criminals deliberately contaminate DNA left at crime scenes. Smart water that sprays a burglar is a useful technique in linking criminals to a crime scene. Studies of repeat victimisation are under way. SOCA deals with organised crime related to Class A drugs, people trafficking (including people smuggling), firearms and money laundering. It has no primary responsibility for counter-terrorism, although abuse of red diesel, linked to the IRA and organised crime, forms part of SOCA’s wider remit to break into and disrupt and destroy organised crime. To defeat crime in the future much better use must be made of science and not just the traditional reaction of putting more bobbies on the beat.

Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 2 Whit 2005 13 THE SCIENCE WEEK SEMINAR – THURSDAY 17TH MARCH 2005 THE UK – BEST PLACE IN THE WORLD FOR INNOVATION The annual Science Week Seminar was held in the Attlee Room at Portcullis House and focused on the need to develop stronger links between scientific innovation and commercial development to realise full economic potential. The joint chairmen were Mr Richard Page MP, Chairman of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee, and Sir David King FRS, Government Chief Scientific Advisor. The subjects addressed by the speakers are the Ten Year Plan; The technology strategy as a basis for future economic success; Technology strategy and collaborative policy in Government; Knowledge transfer within the Research Councils; and Science and Technology centres of excellence. The seminar was jointly organised by the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee, the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology and the DTI and attracted a capacity audience who took an active part in a well-organised and successful meeting. Report by Robert Freer Mr Richard Page, Chairman, Parliamentary and Scientific Committee Mr Page welcomed the delegates, and in opening the first half of the meeting, pointed out that the title "The UK - Best place in the world for innovation" should be read as a statement of intent. He also drew attention to the growing importance of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee. A hundred years ago it was theoretically possible for an MP to understand the whole of science. Today that is impossible. As scientists climb up their individual silos they also find it increasingly difficult to communicate with each other let alone with the general public. An MP is a jack of all trades, often lacking sufficient scientific knowledge to understand the right way forward when science-based legislation looms. This is where the PSC’s role is of growing importance as a bridge between the scientific world and Parliament, helping both sides to understand the needs and pressures of the other.

The Ten Year Plan

Sir Keith O'Nions, FRS, Director General UK Research Councils

want to give you an overview of delivery and a commitment to the needs of the economy and the 10-year Framework for maintaining long-term support for public services (such as national IScience and Innovation and of research activities. security and the environment). the role of the recent Science The 10-year Framework is the Significant investment will be aimed Budget allocation of £10 billion clearest annunciation yet of at encouraging economic announced by Patricia Hewitt. Government policy. It has been exploitation. Our aspiration, over The headline aspects of government well received by academics, and the ten-year period, is for business science policy both in the UK and viewed with interest and envy from R&D to rise from 1.2% of GDP last USA have changed little over the overseas. It aims to make Britain year to 1.9% and overall investment past 60 years. US policy after the the most attractive location in the including the Government war in 1946 was to focus on the world for scientific innovation. contribution to rise to 2.5%. war on disease, on public welfare, The UK has a strong base in science The 10-year plan seeks to address national security, the international and technology but we must aim to the supply of engineers and exchange of information (at a time be internationally competitive technologists. There has been a big when most basic science was being across the board. In much of increase in PhDs in the bio-medical done in Europe) and the creation of science the quality and input of our and life sciences but in the physical jobs to provide economic growth. research is second only to the US sciences and in engineering we have In the 1960's the Wilson but in engineering research and the not necessarily got the right people Government set up the influential physical sciences we are more like in the right places at the right time. Robins committee which also third and fourth in the world and The largest part of new investment placed great emphasis on economic we need to address these areas. will be targeted at the sustainability growth. The difference today is that The 10-year Framework strives for a of our universities and public there is a much stronger focus on research base that is responsive to research laboratories, filling the

14 Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 2 Whit 2005 black hole left by many years of spending review. Capital funding identified their own priorities and under-investment. Finally, the for large facilities and Research OST sought to balance investment Framework gives priority to Council Institutes will also be across these priorities. We have improving public confidence in increased to £250m by 2007/8. made available an extra £40m to emerging technologies such as The importance of knowledge engineering (with particular focus nanotechnology. transfer has been well articulated on the life sciences interface), The allocation of the £10 billion over the last few years. In the mathematics and the social sciences. through the Research Councils, the Higher Education Innovation Fund An additional £30m has been Royal Society, the Royal Academy of there has been an increase in the allocated to support blue skies Engineering and the British money given to universities research in systems biology and big Academy lays the foundations for specifically to support linkage environmental projects, and £25m this 10-year vision. It covers the activities with business and for to clinical research to improve the whole range of research activity developing knowledge transfer translation of basic medical research from particle physics to the capabilities. We need to support to the bedside. Finally, EPSRC has humanities. these activities both nationally and been allocated an additional £25m To improve the sustainability of our regionally and not just assume that to invest in energy research to infrastructure, £200m per year by they will happen naturally. A sum produce a coherent programme of 2007/8 has been allocated to cover of £110m per year will be allocated work to support future energy a greater contribution of the full for this purpose by the end of the options from nuclear fusion to economic cost of undertaking review. An equivalent fund of photovoltaics. research. Most of this will go to the £20m has been allocated to To summarise, the 10-year universities on the back of existing knowledge transfer in public sector Framework identifies huge grants. Ongoing investment in research establishments, and £15m challenges and opportunities for our university infrastructure is being will be allocated later this year research base. The UK has a world- maintained at £500m per year over targeted specifically at taking class science base, and the the next three years. Taking into forward the results of research funded Government understands that its account capital streams, our aim is through Research Council grants. long-term sustainability is a for 100% of full economic costs to In allocating the total fund of prerequisite to successful be met by the end of the next £10bn, the Research Councils exploitation.

The Technology Strategy as the Basis for Future Economic Success

Catherine Beech, Cambridge Gateway Fund

atherine Beech introduced are less good at commercialising the R&D, as a percentage of GDP, since herself as the founder of the results. For example, MRI scanners 1981 but we have not. Where we CCambridge Gateway Fund, a were invented in this country but it are strong in research, such as small venture capital fund based in was the Americans who made them pharmaceuticals, we are holding our Cambridge which invests in a commercial product. We need to own but in research on oil, gas and companies in the UK. She is also a improve the commercial take-up of utilities other countries are member of the DTI Technology our new technologies. We need not spending more. Strategy Board which offers an only to find things out for the For an academic access to grants for insight into the working of the DTI pleasure of doing so but also find basic research is not difficult and it on technology transfer. the right market to sell them in. is easy to find someone who can The UK has a strong base in science Our spending on basic research is help you. But funding for early and technology and in fundamental spread fairly evenly across the stage companies is more difficult to academic research. Our scientists country but is less overall than in find. University challenge funds are innovative and publish more other countries For comparison, have been successful and are well scientific papers per capita than any Germany, France and the US have used by academics who understand other country in the world but we all increased their spending on how they work but have not yet

Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 2 Whit 2005 15 reached the stage where they are In Cambridge there are clusters of return in five years, and we need to making an actual return. entrepreneurs where such help is change our fear of failure. In order to forecast what available. Human capital is There is now more emphasis on the technologies will be needed in the important as is the physical business pull rather than the future, we first need to consider infrastructure, long planning delays innovative technologies. This is an what will be the cultural, social and to get new buildings can frustrate important step forward. Under the demographic changes and what we the development of small companies. technology programme £250m has should be looking for technology to Managers with global management been made available; it is not provide. The DTI did some useful and marketing skills can help to enough but it is a start. The work last year on the underlying identify a current market need for a Government is making a real effort themes which address culture and less than perfect product. By the to help business to set priorities and society changes to help define time the perfect product is to fund them. People are using the where technologies should be produced the market may have facilities and the competitions focused. The public wants many moved on. Government support for which have been set up which is a things to be smaller, better and these managers would be helpful. positive step. The objective in cheaper, and more personal Access to money is always a technology is to stick to what you mobility creates a demand for better problem. Academic grants are know and do best and continue communications. Large companies available for basic research, and doing it. Technology platforms are are very interested in early stage university challenge funds are important for venture capitalists as companies who can offer helping companies to develop their multiple products can be spun off technologies which help them do ideas. There are some Angel with opportunities for repeated better in their present programmes, groups, including a strong group in shots at goal, whereas with only one and there is a particular need for Cambridge, but otherwise there are technology and product, nothing better engineering in the life few funds available for early stage remains after failure. Some early sciences. companies, and fewer funders stage technology companies would There are a number of factors which prepared to take risks. Also, find it impossible to survive without are critical for success and to funders like to have a hands-on the early stage tax credit. Of five support a spirit of entrepreneurship connection with the company. small early start companies in a in an early stage company. The Venture capital is difficult. Private competition in Cambridge, two opportunity to get advice and share equity capital from London tends to have contracts with the US, but information with someone who has go into management buyouts rather none with the UK. There is successfully done what you are than to support early stage therefore a need for improved trying to do is particularly helpful. companies, and funders expect a procurement in the UK.

The Technology Strategy and Collaborative Policy in Government

Patrick McDonald, DTI Technology Strategy Board

ur programme provides two the end of the selection process. The objective for Government mechanisms to support We also appointed an independent support is to help businesses Obusiness, collaborative Technology Strategy Board which increase investment in R&D, development and knowledge met formally for the first time on promoted by market pull rather transfer networks. The funding for 1st November. On 29th November than science push. This analysis is this programme will rise to £180m 2004 we launched another also focused on the capability of by 2007-2008. This compares with competition which attracted over firms to deliver market needs £50m in 2003. In April 2004 we 900 applications for £80m. Lord following an assessment of the launched a competition for £60m of Sainsbury announced the next potential for technology "stretch" funding which attracted 400 competition for £100m which will which is a measure of market projects of which 17 were funded at open on 26th April 2005. maturity. The funds allocated are

16 Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 2 Whit 2005 sufficient for the needs of a project annually on fostering technology The nine Regional Development and are not spread thinly across a transfer companies, and about Agencies and the three Devolved broad spectrum of activities just to £10bn on its own research with an Administrations are at different reduce complaints. Judgement is overall procurement budget of stages with their regional needed in allocating funding for £120bn, a powerful financial lever technology strategies, and the technology-specific small companies to motivate business innovation. Technology Strategy Board has an compared with the £20m-£30m The work of joining up government important intercommunication role required for validation of complex departments is proceeding well, with them. The relationship works systems, such as demonstrators or having received £50m from Defra to best when discussing specific technology test beds, that will be met be channelled through the opportunities for regional by a new pilot programme in future. technology programme, which collaboration such as micro- The DTI is extending the benefits the work on sustainability nanotechnology where the DTI can technology strategy to other where we have a common interest. assume leadership and set a national government departments since an The latest competition includes a agenda. EU survey in 2003 showed that the £20m challenge to demonstrate The DTI is developing a strategic UK takes about twice as long as our aspects of the zero emission approach for technology support major competitors to bring a enterprise, such as waste reduction. but there is a long way to go with product to market. Can the A workshop is planned with Defra, research teams needing longer term Government help by becoming a other departments and the Research funding and businesses with better more demanding customer? The Councils, to help find areas of facilities in the run-up to the Government spends about £1bn common interest. spending review in 2006.

Knowledge Transfer within the Research Councils

Professor Ian Diamond, Chief Executive, ESRC

nowledge transfer within the public policy and interactions with collaboration, on supporting 10-year Framework is the the Government. All Councils have research workers and on the Ktopic of this address, their own policy to support commercialisation of the results. presented as chair of the executive knowledge transfer and they work Collaboration with education and group for the seven research together with the UK Research training supports post-graduate councils, that cover the entire Councils (UKRC) to identify the training and ensures we have world science base from social economics added value. In ESRC we adapt our class scientists coming on stream. to particle physics and strategy to fit the research Additional funding is available for environmental medicine. The undertaken, supported by a range PhD training with entrepreneurial Government spending review of policies, so that for each research skills. reflects the national commitment, topic an appropriate strategy is available. The need for interaction between ranging from basic research to the The need for a strategy for small business and academics is use of knowledge generated from business research was recognised by recognised, and also the potential the science base for the general the ESRC in the late 80s and a small benefit that accrues for those PhD benefit of UK society. business service has now been in students who are supervised by The fundamental starting point is operation since 2004. The both academics and by specialists that no one can take public money application of research is not a from industry. This will produce a for research if it is not linear process, it is necessary to new generation of scientists who communicated properly for the interact with the user and time is understand business, and those who benefit of the population. This necessary for the development of go into industry will be better principle extends not only to new ideas. The priorities for the trained in understanding business. business and industry but also to Research Councils centre on A third benefit will be development

Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 2 Whit 2005 17 of a new network between the commercial activities over the last aware of the issues to understand supervisors. three years, 187 licences have been and develop business, financial and People are essential to successful issued, 351 patents have been legal skills and to assist the next knowledge transfer and we need to generated with more than £50m generation of scientists. For those encourage networking to enable income from 30 spin out companies. councils for which it is appropriate people to move between research, The research councils are also researchers can apply for a further industry and Government. In the working with academics and other grant to develop the commercial ESRC we also have the Connect partners to take this forward. For opportunities of their work. For 24 Club which provides opportunities example, ERSC is working with the such projects £1.4m has been for industrialists to meet Nottingham University Institute of allocated; it takes only a small amount researchers, and we have 24 Enterprise and Innovation and MRC of money to support this work. Faraday partnerships and other to help the commercialisation of the The commercial application of ways to support long-term research. work of over 180 bioscientists per research is not a linear process. It For instance, Rolls Royce are year. Small groups are set up to requires partnerships and needs supporting aero engine prepare a business plan. These interaction with industry. This takes development with a number of entrepreneurial activities are not time. We need to set up networks universities, and the University of picked up in five minutes but if you including Government and industry Dundee is working with the MRC want to inspire PhD students with a at a high level to deal with this, but on pharmaceutical developments to small amount of money they will it requires positive commitment from understand how cells transmit work hard. This work is people- all those involved. UKRC is totally molecular messages and how this intensive and takes time. We are committed to knowledge transfer information can be used to help committed to help scientists to and we look forward to encouraging develop drugs for a variety of understand business and all the the commercial development of diseases. As a result of these research councils are increasingly basic research.

Science and Technology Centres of Excellence

Sir Richard Sykes, Rector, Imperial College, London

ur Centres of Excellence in fine aspirations need to be focused management and we work hard to higher education carry out and converted into actions and we ensure these disciplines collaborate Owork of high quality and need to avoid wasting the money by and interface with each other. A have a potentially significant impact spreading it too thinly and typical example is constrained robot on our lives and it is vital to regulating too strongly. surgery which requires the maintain them. Our science base The solutions to the important contributions of mechanical has been neglected in the past, needs of the world are never simple engineers, computer scientists and particularly during the 1980s and surgeons. In the past this 1990s, and we need to increase our and are going to require not only a investment if we are to keep up with widely disparate knowledge base collaboration rarely happened but the USA. This is now starting to but we also need to align political today it is the usual practice. In happen and the science budget has practicalities with scientific advanced imaging techniques, our risen from £1.45bn in 1997-98 to possibilities if we are to achieve work is probably better than £2.4bn now, and will be £3.4bn by realistic solutions. Even within the elsewhere in the world and for this 2008. This is a welcome improvement scientific community we need to we need good engineers, and is better than in Europe generally bring together different disciplines. mathematicians and clinicians. but is still below the US level. At Imperial College we believe in We encourage new entrepreneur Government thinking supports the the value of interdisciplinary companies. This has been a endeavours of leading universities working and we have a powerful complete change compared with ten in extending the frontiers of science, mix of disciplines covering the years ago. Since 1997 60 new engineering and technology. But sciences, engineering and business companies have been founded on

18 Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 2 Whit 2005 research work undertaken at the finest practitioners in medical workers. Our medical regulatory Imperial College, 40% of them in science and technology so we are environment in UK is good and biotechnology and health care, and seeking to bring them together. The achieves the right balance between we are adding 4 to 8 companies per multi-disciplinary approach in protecting the individual and year. £20m equity goes back into which clinical medicine is stimulating exploration. This has IC as well as licence income. integrated with science and helped UK scientists to lead the For these companies to prosper technology is the key to improved world in stem cell research and in good science is not enough. We clinical care and can be applied to tissue engineering. We must be need to build national and global real health problems. One example prepared to pay for the adoption of networks to provide not only the is the new information network at new technologies. We have the critical mass but also the insight, the Hammersmith cancer centre potential but if we don't also show the vision and leadership these which will co-ordinate clinical care we have the market for our partnerships need. As an example at all the NHS hospitals. The creativity, our scientists and of the operations by Imperial network contributes clinical technologists will drift away to the College in the field of international information to a data warehouse USA. Another example is our work health care the Gates Foundation being built with the support of the to understand and solve the issues came to IC to seek help in running Wellcome Trust, Imperial College around global climate change. a complex health programme in and GlaxoSmithKline. The These examples of major problems Africa, together with Harvard and information collected can be fed in health and the environment can the local governments. Another back into the pharmaceutical be addressed only by big science, by programme funded by the Gates industry to help the development of bringing people together in multi- Foundation is for a £15m new cancer treatments. disciplinary teams to create a critical programme on HIV/AIDS. In a Universities have a role in creating mass. We need long-term contracts third programme the Wellcome ideas and technologies and to provide stability and to ensure trust is working with IC, Oxford and transferring them into industry and delivery and then we can compete local governments on HIV/AIDS commerce. Industry develops ideas on the global stage. In this country In the medical sciences we have and practical products and the NHS we have all the ingredients for special advantages. The NHS is one uses the new products and services. success but we have to work of the finest systems in the world to And they all contribute to adding together and recognise that it is a deal with patient care and we have new skills to the pool of knowledge difficult game.

Sir David King FRS, Government Chief Scientific Advisor

Sir David summed up the meeting and thanked all the speakers and indicated that the topic was well chosen and very timely. The opportunities emerging from one of the strongest science bases in the world are immense for all of us. In July 2004 he published a paper in Nature that listed the scientific strength of different countries by the number of citations per £ invested in the science base. The UK headed the list with 60% more than the next nearest competitor nation. Industry investing in the UK gets more bang for its buck. In this country we have strong science with a legacy going back 250 years or more, despite the brain drain to the USA which is now reversing. We have now established hi-tech clusters which are the follow-through from the science base and which we had previously been missing for decades. The next phase is to develop the pull-through from the hi-tech clusters to industry. Within 3 miles of Cambridge there are now 1600 hi-tech companies employing about 40,000 people. These clusters, which are unique in Europe, are the opportunity for the future but we need a continuation of the change in culture which has happened in the universities. It is still to happen in some industries and in the City..

In discussion the following points were made: The role of the Regional Development Agencies; need for long term investment; neglect of materials funding; method of measuring added value; links with humanities research boards; demise of SMART programme; intellectual property rights; costs of collaborative research; collaboration between NHS and academics; NHS priorities for research and patient care; SMEs and global collaboration; economic and social dimension to research; role of charities in funding research; criteria for the infrastructure; costs of research for SMEs; the regulatory system; training new engineers for new nuclear power stations; teaching science and engineering in schools; market opportunities for new companies; role of Technology Strategy Board; communication between science and the City.

Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 2 Whit 2005 19 equipment, beds, floors, furnishings, sinks, etc, and simple cleaning is Fighting Infection often not enough to get rid of it. MRSA is also found in the noses and on the hands of patients, visitors and Janet Hurst and Faye Jones healthcare workers. In the UK, we External Relations Office, Society for General Microbiology do not routinely screen all patients and staff for carriage of MRSA. There are no simple solutions to stopping the spread of icro-organisms – bacteria, pathogens and the never-ending Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA. fungi, protozoa, algae, vigilance required to overcome Reductions in infection rates can be Mviruses and prions – affect anticipated and unexpected achieved through greater awareness, every aspect of our lives. The outbreaks of new or evolved species. more hand-washing resources, science of microbiology is important screening and infection control, and to each and every one of us. isolation of patients and staff Politicians and opinion-formers are carrying the bacteria. The recent faced every day with making introduction of MRSA bacteraemia decisions about microbiological reporting is starting to have an effect. issues that are key to human, animal and plant health. But these measures alone will not eradicate MRSA. Since 2002, three Since 1970 previously unknown cases of fully vancomycin resistant pathogenic micro-organisms have Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) have emerged as a significant threat to been reported in the USA. It would human and animal health at an be irresponsible not to expect cases average rate of about one a year. in the UK and we must prevent SARS, BSE, vCJD, Ebola, HIV, Lyme VRSA from getting established in Disease, Legionnaire’s Disease, our hospitals. VRSA may be E.coli O157:H7 and West Nile virus Cultured human small intestinal mucosa untreatable and no one will want to have all been hitting the headlines. infected with enteropathogenic E. coli go to hospital if they have a chance Many of these infectious agents (Credit: Stuart Knutton, University of of catching this potentially fatal have been passed to humans from Birmingham). infection. animals. Now that the “golden age” Many large pharmaceutical of antibiotics is ending, even MRSA diseases once thought to be companies have closed their MRSA is a prime example of a conquered, such as TB, are making research programmes for developing continuing struggle against a comeback. The scale of global new antibiotics. Lack of potential microbes. MRSA are Staphylococcus travel means that infections can profits and tough regulations mean aureus bacteria that have evolved rapidly spread around the whole that companies will not invest time resistance to the methicillin class of world. and money in this. A small number antibiotics. These bacteria live of companies are developing Infections not only make humans ill harmlessly in the noses of many vaccines, but none so far have been and decimate livestock and wildlife, people, but in the very old and found to be effective against MRSA. but they can wreak economic young and in patients that are With no new drugs or vaccines havoc, as demonstrated in the 2001 already unwell they can cause available, ring-fenced funding for UK foot-and-mouth disease disease. Infections caused by MRSA research is essential. outbreak. are treated with the last remaining MRSA experts believe that we Because they are so numerous and reliable antibiotic class, cannot control infection without reproduce so rapidly, micro- vancomycin. This drug is expensive, greater understanding and more organisms can constantly evolve and has side-effects and has to be tools. UK Government investment is adapt to changes in their administered in hospital. Even with needed to develop new rapid environment. This makes it difficult treatment, 25% of patients with diagnostic tests, better treatment for for scientists to keep ahead. For MRSA bacteraemia will die. This patients, improved surveillance and example, antibiotic resistance is not equates to approximately 5,000 above all fundamental research into a new problem. Within a very short people each year in the UK. all aspects of this terrible infection time of the commercial The UK has one of the highest rates and how it spreads. development of penicillin in World of MRSA infection in Europe. About War II, some bacteria were showing 40% of Staphylococcus aureus Avian ‘flu signs of resistance to the drug. infections in UK hospitals are due Avian influenza, a virus infection The fight against microbes to these strains. So how do we fight commonly called bird ‘flu, is an combines the incessant struggle to it? MRSA is already established in illustration of a microbiological gain an upper hand over known our hospitals. It is found on problem requiring international

20 Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 2 Whit 2005 significant problem to emerge. H5N1 is too dangerous to use for vaccine development and so scientists at NIBSC have manipulated the virus and removed the features responsible for causing disease. This strain is now being used by vaccine manufacturers in their research. The second problem is how to Transmission electron micrograph of budding stimulate proper protection in influenza virus (x 200,000 magnification). people. Information so far suggests contingency planning. This that for any potential pandemic, economically important disease for vaccination tactics will need to be poultry farmers is mainly found in different from those in current use. the Far East. It can spread to Further research is urgently needed humans who come into contact to design immunisation strategies Microbiologist at work. with infected birds. Luckily this is for the new vaccines. rare and involves only some strains Only microbiologists can make a resulted from the 2001 foot-and- of the virus, but cases over the past difference mouth outbreak made similar nine years have raised concern that proposals. Yet despite these the world may be on the brink of Without the unceasing work of recommendations, there is a an influenza pandemic. H5N1, the microbiologists in hospitals, health shortage of clinical microbiologists causative strain, is primarily found protection laboratories, industry, in our hospitals and many research in poultry and although the number universities and research institutes institutes working on animal and of people infected is relatively few, into the causes, diagnosis, human infectious diseases are facing in them it causes severe disease and prevention and treatment of cuts in funding and thus in staff. the death rate is above 70%. infectious diseases, millions of Microbes will inhabit Earth long Unfortunately, because the virus is people and animals would die each after the human race is extinct. The very similar to human influenza year. In the face of so many new need for skilled microbiologists and virus there is a risk of the two types challenges from microbes, the funding for microbiology will exist combining into a form that both expertise of microbiologists has as long as human life itself. causes severe disease in humans never been more needed. Governments around the world and spreads as easily from person to The development of improved cannot ignore the fact that the fight person as human ‘flu. The effects of services to control and prevent against infection will never end, but this could be devastating. infection was flagged as a priority that if they invest in microbiologists In the face of this danger, for the Government in the House of some of the battles can be won. governments are stockpiling Lords Science & Technology Further reading: antiviral drugs and work is under Committee 2003 report Fighting Enright, M. (2005). Microbiology Today 32, 48. Infection. Recommendations Health Protection Agency Staphylococcus aureus way to develop a suitable strain of website H5N1 that could be used to make include the facilitation of greater (http://www.hpa.org.uk/infections/topics_az/staph new vaccines. The National Institute collaboration between experts and ylo/menu.htm). Health Protection Agency avian influenza website for Biological Standards and Control the recruitment of more specialists. (http://www.hpa.org.uk/infections/topics_az/avian has already solved the first Reports into animal health which influenza/menu.htm).

The Society for General Microbiology (SGM) Microbiology Awareness Campaign aims to alert parliamentarians and government departments to the important issues relating to infectious disease and the need for adequate funding of surveillance and research. It has recently been acknowledged as a source of advice on exotic infectious diseases imported into the UK within the contingency plans of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The SGM was founded in 1945 to bring together scientists involved in all areas of microbiology and, with a current membership of over 5,500, can offer impartial and expert information to politicians and civil servants on all microbiological topics. The Society responds to relevant government consultation documents, produces occasional briefing papers on microbiological themes and offers a free subscription to its magazine Microbiology Today to all Parliamentarians. As well as promoting microbiology through its grants, prize lectures, education and public understanding of science activities and its high profile role in UK and international biological organizations, the SGM holds international scientific meetings and publishes cutting edge research findings in its four prestigious journals. For further information contact: The External Relations Office, Society for General Microbiology, Marlborough House, Basingstoke Road Spencers Wood, Reading RG7 1AG. Tel 0118 988 1843 www.sgm.ac.uk Email

Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 2 Whit 2005 21 Chemical engineering on the menu

Professor Colin Grant, Strathclyde University

magine for a moment if you can, party. But even if it had been, I’d can also be found at work in the receiving an invitation to a hazard a guess that the prospect of financial sector, the media and even Idinner party where the other breaking bread with a crowd of in politics where Ashok Kumar, guests included a Nobel Prize chemical engineers might not have Labour MP for Middlesbrough Winner, MIT’s youngest ever full proved an immediate attraction – South and East Cleveland and professor, the Managing Director of even with haggis on the menu. And IChemE Fellow has been known to one of the world’s biggest oil yet a closer look reveals that fly the flag for the discipline from companies, a leading cardiovascular chemical engineers are wrestling the benches of the House of Commons. physiologist, the President of with many of the issues that And yet chemical engineering is Trinidad and Tobago and a latter preoccupy, politicians, policymakers something of a Cinderella amongst day crystal ball gazer who has been and voters in the UK and beyond. the engineering disciplines. Civil publicly described as "weird, The congress programme will engineers build bridges and roads, wonky, wonderful and very, very feature hot topics such as meeting mechanical engineers bring us cars useful…" An intriguing guest-list I future global energy needs, the and trains, electrical engineers keep hope you’d agree and perhaps even commercialisation of nanotechnology, the lights on; but what do chemical more so when you learn that the waste management, technological engineers do exactly? A typical after-dinner conversation will focus possibilities arising from the Human dictionary definition might be as on the future of chemical and Genome Project, education and follows, "the activity of applying process engineering and its training and the future existence of chemistry to the solution of potential impact on the way we the chemical and process industries practical problems". Not entirely might be living our lives over the in developed economies. helpful you might think, although next twenty years. Relevant skill set the last five words are worth Professors Jean-Marie Lehn, Jackie Chemical engineering is more than hanging on to – solving “practical Ying, Denis Noble, His Excellency a hundred years old. Many people problems”; we have quite a few of George Maxwell Richards, Shell’s those around, maybe chemical contend that the discipline came of Malcolm Brinded and futurologist engineers can help. age in 1960’s and some will argue Oliver Sparrow are the special guest that it is now in its sunset years. speakers at the UK’s biggest ever Innovation and achievement IChemE hotly contests this gathering of chemical and process The heart of the process community, proposition, arguing that the core engineers, which opens at Glasgow’s IChemE was founded in 1922 and chemical engineering skill set is as Scottish Exhibition and Conference it is true to say that the 7th World relevant today as it has ever been. Centre (SECC) on Sunday 10th July Congress of Chemical Engineering The fundamental understanding of 2005. They will be joined by 20 is quite simply the largest project process design, process control and keynote contributors and more than ever undertaken by the Institution 2000 visitors from 70 countries for the modelling of complex systems in it’s 83-year history. The bidding four days of networking and coupled with a commitment to process started back in 1999, and discussion that will touch upon sustainable development finds whilst not quite on the scale of an some of the biggest challenges application in many different sectors Olympic bid, the competition was facing mankind in the 21st Century. including food and drink, extremely strong and the UK saw off pharmaceuticals, energy, and rival pitches from Spain, Italy and Wrestling with the issues biotech as well as the traditional France to win the right to host the Okay I’ll come clean, it’s a technical areas of petrochemicals and oil and event. The attractions of Glasgow conference rather than a dinner gas processing. Chemical engineers outshone Barcelona, Rome and

22 Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 2 Whit 2005 Toulouse clearly proving irresistible research in a new and more publicly engineers to think outside the box to the judges and I would hardly accessible manner, IChemE choose and confront the challenges disagree. IChemE was handed a to steer clear of the usual practice of presented by multidisciplinary golden opportunity to highlight pigeon holing different specialists in working." innovation and achievement in the different parts of the programme. A discipline and, crucially, to commuter on the “clockwork Public outreach showcase the leading role that orange”, as our underground Away from the main programme, British chemical engineers are railway system is sometimes known, the congress will also feature a lively playing in the advancement of might glaze over at the prospect of a series of public outreach events process technology. Over the last room full of process engineers including an international Chem-E- two years 3000 abstracts have been discussing multi-phase flow or Car challenge staged in conjunction subjected to rigorous peer review. particle technology. Alternatively, with the Glasgow Science Centre. The process yielded almost 2000 tell them that the SECC is full of The competition will see manuscripts and at the time of people thinking about ways of undergraduate teams from all over writing 1400 delegates have turning “molecules into money” or the world put their skills to the test registered to attend the congress, a looking at “engineering for life” and in designing a car powered and third of them coming from industry, you might be in with a chance of a controlled by a chemical reaction. dispelling the myth that events such productive conversation before they The science centre will also be as this are exclusively attended by leap out at Buchanan Street. staging a series of public lectures academics. IChemE Chief Executive, Dr. Trevor and demonstrations to coincide Few in the science community Evans, reports that the international with the congress. Shell are sending Michael Schumacher’s F1 Ferrari for would dispute the fact that community responded well to the a pit-stop tyre change challenge traditional boundaries between challenges set out in the unusual whilst at the other end of the speed disciplines are crashing down. As congress themes. "The congress table BOC will unveil their latest such, the congress will not be the agenda reflects the way in which record breaking fuel cell sole preserve of chemical engineers. we, as chemical engineers, strive to powered car. Other disciplines are well advance fundamental understanding represented in Glasgow with major and translate science into viable Practical and political problems contributions from chemists, engineering applications. Around And so the scene is set for an mathematicians, environmental the world we are managing complex exciting week in Glasgow during scientists and even accountants. systems and turning molecules into which many of the UK’s brightest Her Royal Highness The Princess money without overlooking the fact engineers will rub shoulders with Royal will attend and speak in her that we must deploy our skills to their international peers. The event role as official patron and the enhance the quality of life and to will prove invaluable for Deputy First Minister, Jim Wallace deliver sustainable processes for MSP, will represent the Scottish industrialist and academics, whilst future generations. To date we have arousing more than a passing Executive. Substantial industrial assembled almost 1000 world-class backing has been secured from interest amongst the wider public. A contributions that are meeting this more than 20 leading companies dinner party it certainly won’t be, challenge and I am proud of the fact with process sector interests although I am sure that the that UK contributors account for including ABB, BASF, BOC, BNFL, conference fringe will feature a almost a quarter of the programme." BP, Foster Wheeler, GSK and Shell. prawn cocktail or two. And who EPSRC Chairman, Professor Dame knows, the answers to one or two of Novel agenda Julia Higgins, agrees. Writing in the our more pressing practical, and In an attempt to present the diverse congress guide she says, "The novel dare I say political problems, may spectrum of chemical engineering programme has prompted chemical just get a first airing.

Colin Grant is the Roche Professor of Chemical Engineering and Head of Department at Glasgow’s Strathclyde University. A Fellow of the Institution of Chemical Engineers, Grant will chair the 7th World Congress of Chemical Engineering, which runs from 10-14 July 2004.

For more information see www.chemengcongress2005.com

IChemE will be producing a short bullet point briefing outlining significant developments reported at the congress with implications for UK policymakers during the autumn. To request a copy please contact Suzi Mewes [email protected]

Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 2 Whit 2005 23 Eating with the P and S

Tam Dalyell

ouglas Naysmith has asked Council – he invited me to see him (Abingdon), later to be tragically me to reminisce, as Father of in Washington, which I did, and murdered. The Liberal was Eric Dthe House of Commons and meet the American Scientific Lubbock (Orpington), engineer, as a Parliamentary and Scientific Establishment of the day, Glenn now Lord Avebury. Committee "Regular" for over 43 Seaborg, George Kwistiakowsky, In those days, Commander years. Dan Hornig, Ed Wenk and others. Christopher Powell, secretary of the The first meeting I attended was Directly and indirectly the Committee, and lobbyist, would be one day after I took my seat! Parliamentary and Scientific disappointed if at least 20 MPs and Encouraged by the Chairman, Committee has opened many doors a phalanx of Peers, led by the ever- Austin Albu, MP for Edmonton, an to me. kindly Earl of Halsbury FRS engineer himself, I went along to The second and seminal meeting of (President 1963-65) did not turn listen to H J B Harding and J P Pain that summer was when, just before up. make a presentation on "Technical the recess, the distinguished So much for my first 6 months as considerations relating to the engineer, S A Ghalib, friend of Lord an MP! Channel Tunnel and Channel Gregson (President 1986-89), Sir In the following year, I remember Bridge". You may laugh now, but William Cook, and Colonel G W hearing Sir Frederick Brundrett and some of us concluded that a whole Raby came on the issue of "Atomic Sir Owen Wansbrough-Jones bridge or a half bridge-half tunnel energy: recent developments and was more feasible than a tunnel! future prospects". Seminal not only outline the role of Science and for me, but for the distinguished Government; Abdus Salam FRS, of The two following meetings that Imperial College, later to win a first summer have stuck in my electrical engineer, Arthur Palmer (Chairman 1965-67), who decided Nobel Prize, on the application of memory. Drs H G Sanders, T A science and technology in less Lloyd Davies and Donald Hunter as the Founder-Chairman of the developed areas; Dr E G Cox FRS, came to us on the subject of the Select Committee on Science and on Science and Agriculture, who diseases arising out of the use of Technology, to embark as our first invited us a fortnight later to go to new materials and processes in task on the inquiry into Nuclear East Malling Research Centre, where industry and agriculture. This was Power. The Labour Members of the a lovely lunch and unparalleled of considerable constituency use to Select Committee were Palmer, fresh cherries off the tree made an me, as the information gleaned David Ginsburg (Dewsbury), who impression, etched on our minds; meant that I was taken far more became Chairman of the P and S and Dick Stone, Fellow of King’s seriously than most politicians by (1968-1970), Dr Nick Davies Cambridge, on "The use of the managers of firms employing (Stretford), Lecturer in Physics at computers in economic my constituents, BP Chemicals in the Langworthy Laboratory in the investigation". Grangemouth, the Atlas Steel University of Manchester, Bryan Foundry in Armadale, and a host of Parkyn (Bedford), Chemical The Science Minister of the day was others. Among those most Engineer and businessman, Dr the Lord President of the Council, interested in the subject – I had David Owen (Plymouth) and I. The Quintin Hogg. His Parliamentary made copious notes – was Bill Conservatives had Sir Harry Legge- Secretary, Denzil Freeth, in our eyes Hewlett, then setting up Hewlett- Bourke, later long-term Chairman a possible future Prime Minister. Packard in Queensferry in my of the 1922 Committee, Sir David Science was important before the constituency. As a member of PSAC Price, Chairman of the P and S White Heat of the Technological – the President’s Science Advisory 1979-81, and Airey Neave Revolution!

24 Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 2 Whit 2005 A feature of the Parliamentary and ecological jewel in the Indian exercised his right as Secretary of Scientific Committee has been the Ocean, by Sir Ashley Miles FRS the Smithsonian to go direct to 7.30-9.30 "working dinner" after (Biological Secretary and Vice- Lyndon Johnson. Lyndon Johnson the formal evening seminar, usually President of The Royal Society asked Harold Wilson what Aldabra held in the Astor Suite at 1 1963-68), whom I had the good was all about. The idea of a British Parliament Street. Not only have fortune to sit next to in 1967. Had runway died an instant death. Had they been congenial, but highly it not been for that chance it not been for the Parliamentary educative as far as I am concerned. encounter at the Parliamentary and and Scientific Committee dinner the I am told that I have had more Oral Scientific Committee, I would never home of the pink-footed booby, the Questions answered over 43 years have asked 70 Parliamentary flightless rail and the giant tortoise than anyone in the history of Questions, and sent them to eight in the Indian Ocean would have Parliament. Many of them leading Americans, including Vice- been destroyed for ever. originated either from the President Hubert Humphrey whom I have a huge debt to the discussion with guests over dinner – I had met in Washington when I Committee for bringing me together visiting speakers sang for their was a guest of the Bureau of the with scientists and industrialists, supper – or in conversations with a Budget. He went to Robert whom I would never otherwise neighbour at the meal. For MacNamara, Secretary of Defense, have had the chance of meeting, example, I was first told of the who in turn went to Lyndon and who greatly enriched my importance of Aldabra Atoll, an Johnson, as did Dillon Ripley, who knowledge and understanding. Bovine Tuberculosis - Towards a Science Based Control Strategy J. Bourne – Chairman, Independent Scientific Group: C.A. Donnelly, D.R. Cox, G. Gettinby, J.P. McInerney, W.I. Morrison, R. Woodroffe.

n order that future TB control Reactive culling, by contrast, Thus far the results from the policies can be science based, initiated in response to confirmed proactive treatment remain IDefra on ISG advice has put in cattle TB breakdowns, focused on inconclusive, the results of reactive place a comprehensive programme home ranges of badgers as a one off culling, however, based on data up of research to better understand the operation. Both culling methods to August 2003, and a further epidemiology of TB in both cattle were subject to badger welfare analysis to August 2004, provided and badgers.1,2,3 This research is concerns.5,7,8 The principal convincing evidence that reactive now providing a flow of valuable question addressed by the RBCT is culling of badgers does not offer a data on a range of topics, extending "what contribution can proactive beneficial effect large enough to beyond the trial on culling badgers culling and reactive culling make to make it useful as a potential policy that was originally proposed in the controlling cattle TB". option and that there is substantial, Krebs report.4 Emerging data, as yet but not overwhelming, evidence of incomplete, will allow secure The trial was designed to provide an adverse effect of the reactive scientific conclusions to be reliable estimates of the effects of strategy6. This component of the drawn.5 culling on TB breakdowns by the trial has been stopped. time 50 triplet years have been The proactive treatment continues The Randomised Badger accumulated and, in addition, a and 50 triplet years, which marks Culling Trial (RBCT) range of epidemiological and other the predicted end of the trial, will The RBCT design which has been data to provide a better be reached in early 2006. described in detail1-3 involves three understanding of the disease in experimental regimes – proactive both cattle and badgers. Analysis of Badger Welfare culling, localised reactive culling herd breakdown data, the measure Since the inception of the trial, the and no badger culling, the latter of the impact of badger culling on ISG has been committed to testing providing a survey only control. the disease in cattle, is carried out the effectiveness of badger culling The objective of proactive culling is by two members of the ISG, policies that would constitute to reduce badger densities to low audited by an Independent external practicable policy options if they levels across entire areas, and this is statistical auditor, at six monthly were found to be effective. It was maintained by further regular culls. intervals. considered that if culling strategies

Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 2 Whit 2005 25 had very serious impacts on In view of the approach, and the conservation and animal welfare limited data analysis undertaken, they would not be sustainable in the risk factors identified are the long term – not least because cautiously regarded as being they would be rejected by the associated with TB herd public, including landowners in breakdowns, and not proof of trial areas. Two aspects of badger causation. The results have culling had major implications for provided a focus and helped to badger welfare, the method of inform farm practice. Further case- catching badgers – cage trapping, control analyses of post FMD TB99 and the timing of culling in relation data are ongoing, and in the light of to badger breeding season and the the experience and findings from avoidance of the starvation and TB99 the modified, shorter Case death underground of dependant Control Study form (CCS2005) has cubs whose dams had been killed. been designed for the further A detailed analysis of cage trapping evaluation of herd breakdown risk data evaluating the injuries factors. This new form was sustained by badgers captured in implemented in January 2005 and cage traps and the effectiveness of a is being used to collect more closed season on avoiding the death Risk Factors - TB99 information not only within the of badger cubs from starvation have Epidemiological Survey RBCT trial areas but elsewhere in been recently published.7,8 Many risk factors in relation to England and Wales. In summary while cage trapping environment and cattle husbandry may have consequences for badger practices have anecdotally been Other Trial Related Research welfare other than physical injuries suggested as predisposing farms to In addition to addressing the effects (particularly stress) trial data TB breakdowns. Because of the of two culling approaches on the demonstrate that most badgers large number of factors3 these are incidence of cattle TB herd (88%) confined to traps have no not easily amenable to experimental breakdowns, the RBCT provides detectable injuries as a result of investigation but useful information valuable baseline epidemiological being confined in the trap and of can be gained from the TB99 data. This includes the prevalence those injured 74% record only epidemiological case-control study of TB in badgers, its relationship to minor skin abrasions. A minority which compares data from social group size and structure and, (1.7%) experienced tooth damage breakdown farms to non- importantly, the spatial relationship likely to have involved serious breakdown farms in trial areas. between TB infected badgers and (albeit short term) suffering. This approach allows investigation cattle herd breakdowns. These data Modification to cage traps – smooth into the wide range of factors such are currently being analysed and coating of wire mesh, and modified as herd size, land cover, soil type, along with other trial related door mechanisms – have reduced grazing systems, housing, research on matters such as the abrasion and other injuries further. movement of cattle etc which are impact of badger removal on other In order to minimise leaving potentially associated with an wildlife and badger density unweaned cubs to starve when increased, or a decreased, risk of TB estimations will ultimately their mothers are culled a closed in cattle. contribute to a cost-benefit analysis season for culling was instituted An initial analysis of trial data from that will be considered by Defra when during February, March and April a clearly defined data set up to determining future policy options. based on the best available data on 2001 has been carried out and the timing of badger reproduction recently published.9 Of the large Disease Diagnosis to cover the lactating period. In number of factors screened for A critical requirement of a disease contrast to predictions from welfare association with a herd TB control programme is accurate and groups that large numbers of cubs breakdown those factors associated sensitive diagnosis. The tuberculin (upward of 2000) would die with an increased risk were found skin test coupled to restrictions of underground as a result of trial to be moving cattle on to farms movement of animals from operations, data suggests that the from markets or farm sales, operating breakdown farms have contributed number is less than 20 cubs per the farm over several premises, use to the successful control of TB in annum. Thus although the of covered yard housing and the many countries, and in parts of GB. adoption of a closed season has use of other undefined housing However the use of these control some practical disadvantages, by types. In contrast those factors procedures have not prevented the limiting the time for badger culling found to be associated with a spread of the disease across wide and lengthening the response time decreased risk of a herd breakdown areas of GB in the past two decades. for a reactive cull, it shows clear were spreading of artificial fertilisers The tuberculin skin test was welfare benefits. and farmyard manure. developed as a herd test, and in

26 Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 2 Whit 2005 initial TB control programmes it herd breakdown. This study, field trial to demonstrate its impact worked successfully to identify and although still in its early stages has on the target species, cattle. Such a eliminate infected herds or groups demonstrated new breakdowns trial would have to be on the scale of animals within a herd. This type occurring in previously relatively and time frame of the RBCT, and of herd application is now relatively TB free regions of the country, would necessitate the development rare and the test is used almost which can be linked by genotyping of a non-parenteral vaccine, exclusively to identify individual back to specific M. bovis strains in possibly an oral vaccine. It would infected animals. This application other distant regions of the country. also need to be guided by the has exposed the limitations of the Their demonstration in new regions outcome of the RBCT, since wide test, whose reported sensitivity for is consistent with the movement of scale culling of badgers could be identifying individual infected undiagnosed but TB infected cattle. expected to have a greater impact animals is variable, and may be as The past belief, that the source of on cattle TB than vaccination of low as 65% to 70%.2,3,5,10 infection for these new breakdowns badgers. The suggestion of an initial These recognised shortcomings is diseased badgers moving over "small scale" trial to demonstrate have encouraged the development long distances, is highly unlikely the impact of parenterally of alternative in-vitro tests and in since both behavioural and genetic vaccinating badgers with BCG, on particular the IFN test. This is a evidence indicate that badgers tend the disease level in badgers would laboratory-based test which not to make long range movements. necessarily involve the capture and involves the culture of whole blood It is particularly worrying that culling of a large number of badgers with M. bovis antigen and Defra report that 60% of herd and would need to surmount measurement of interferon (IFN) breakdowns in Cumbria, post considerable logistical difficulties if production by responding T- FMD, are ascribed to cattle reliable data are to be gained.5 lymphocytes.11,12 This test has been movement.5 Initial analyses of cattle The ROI Four Areas Trial used strategically in a number of tracing data is also demonstrating international TB control the extremely large number of local The recent publication of the programmes to complement the cattle movements in high cattle Republic of Ireland Four Areas 18 tuberculin test to identify a higher density and high TB disease risk badger removal trial has given rise proportion of TB infected cattle in a areas which further highlights the to considerable interest and raised herd.11 danger posed by the movement of questions on its value to policy development in this country. The Refinements to the IFN test have infected undiagnosed cattle.16 13,14 ISG commentary to Ministers on been made, further research is Vaccines this study recognised the strong ongoing, and the point has been Vaccines have the potential for evidence provided that badgers reached when the IFN test must be disease management and might be have a role in propagating TB in considered as an important seen to offer the ultimate approach cattle, confirming earlier field component of a TB control strategy. to disease control. However, this assessments made in GB.4 However This necessitates that the test be potential element of a TB control the most that could be concluded properly validated in the field in GB policy can only be regarded as a from the ROI data was that virtual to determine its strategic value in a long-term, uncertain option, and elimination of badgers over a range of potential future control would need to be complemented by substantial area, and maintained policy options.5 other control measures. over time, is likely to have a Cattle Tracing and Molecular A recently published vaccine beneficial effect on the incidence of Epidemiology scoping study17 has reported on the TB in cattle. Quantitative A significant recent research feasibility for pursuing a TB assessment of the benefit accruing development has been provided by vaccination strategy. This study in the ROI study is made difficult in the opportunity to link cattle advised that there was currently no that the impact of culling varies in movement and molecular suitable vaccine available that could the four counties studied and the epidemiological data. Strains of M. be considered for use in cattle impact of, albeit limited, culling in bovis with a distinct genotype can although the potential for neonatal the reference areas is unclear. now be identified and linked to vaccination should be explored However the qualitative assessment specific geographical areas of the experimentally using the human of the range of reduced incidence of country.15 In the wake of FMD vaccine, BCG (Bacillus Calmette cattle TB that is claimed to have following the destocking of affected and Guerin). been achieved (50% to 75%), by farms, both within and outside trial BCG might also be considered for virtual badger elimination, is likely. areas, an opportunity was taken to use in badgers although there is The ROI study usefully adds to the undertake a detailed only limited experimental data-base on badger culling and epidemiological study on all of information on its protective may ultimately help interpret these restocked farms in trial areas efficacy in badgers and further findings of the RBCT. However and those farms outside trial areas detailed consideration needs to be because of almost complete co- that subsequently suffered a TB given to the design and scale of a operation with culling from

Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 2 Whit 2005 27 landowners, seemingly low badger components of this interplay to disease control, clearly highlight the density, different capture methods disease development and its necessary focus for an improved and reduced welfare constraints, maintenance in either species is cattle based control of this disease. and cattle movement practices and unknown. However the disease in The vexed question "what to do testing procedures in Ireland, it each species appears to have its about wildlife?" in GB remains makes it difficult to predict the own dynamic. The relevance of this unanswered. A number of impact of the same policy, even if is that a trial of any badger culling precautionary husbandry measures exactly implemented in GB. strategy (short of complete and have been proposed to reduce The results from the ROI study we sustained elimination) can only cattle/ badger contact, although believe provide no information provide a measure of the impact of these have no strong scientific basis, relevant to the explanation of (or that particular culling strategy on they can be conceived to be evaluation of) the lack of benefits the incidence of TB in cattle and sensible precautions that can be (and potential risks) of reactive not the quantitative contribution of applied in many instances. Culling badgers may be seen as an option badger culling and have little value infected badgers to cattle TB. A but data from historical localised for predicting the conclusions to be further practical relevance is that if the disease was eliminated from badger removal operations and expected from the proactive versus from the reactive component of the survey-only comparison in the badgers, by the elimination of badgers or the use of a highly RBCT, indicate that localised culling RBCT or on policy options up to of badgers will have no substantive now considered feasible in GB. effective vaccine, a residual disease problem in cattle would remain to impact on the disease in cattle. Conversely virtual elimination of Preliminary Interpretation of be addressed. badgers over a large area can be Research findings The recognised limitations of the expected to do so. Whether more Research findings support the view tuberculin test to identify all limited sustainable culling over a that TB in cattle and badgers is infected animals in a herd, the large area, as conducted in the interlinked involving cross species movement of diseased cattle proactive component of the RBCT, and within species transmission of between herds and the seemingly will have an impact on the disease infection. The quantitative limited on-farm application of in cattle that is considered to be significance of the various accepted precautions for infectious useful remains to be seen.

1 F.J.Bourne, C.A.Donnelly, D.R.Cox, G.Gettinby, J.P.McInerney, W.I.Morrrison and R.Woodroffe. Towards a sustainable policy to control TB in cattle – a scientific initiative. First report of the Independent Scientific Group on Cattle TB. 1998, PB3881, MAFF (London) 2 F.J.Bourne, C.A.Donnelly, D.R.Cox, G.Gettinby, J.P.McInerney, W.I.Morrrison and R.Woodroffe. An epidemiological investigation into bovine tuberculosis. Second Report of the Independent Scientific Group on Cattle TB. 2000, PB4870, MAFF, (London) 3 F.J.Bourne, C.A.Donnelly, D.R.Cox, G.Gettinby, J.P.McInerney, W.I.Morrrison and R.Woodroffe. An epidemiological Investigation into bovine tuberculosis. Third Report of the Independent Scientific Group on Cattle TB.2001, PB 5801, Defra (London). 4 J.R.Krebs, R.Anderson, T,CluttonBrock, W.I.Morrison, D.B.Young, C.A.Donnelly, S.Frost, and R.Woodroffe. Bovine tuberculosis in cattle and badgers - An independent scientific review. PB3423, 1997 MAFF (London) 5 F.J.Bourne, C.A.Donnelly, D.R.Cox, G.Gettinby, J.P.McInerney, W.I.Morrrison and R.Woodroffe. An Epidemiological Investigation into Bovine Tuberculosis - Towards a Science Based Control Strategy. Fourth Report of the Independent Scientific Group on Cattle TB. 2005, PB 10138, Defra ( London) 6 C.A.Donnelly, R.Woodroffe, D.R.Cox, F.J. Bourne, G.Gettinby, A.M.Le Fevre, J.P.McInerney, and W.I.Morrison. Impact of localised badger culling on tuberculosis incidence in British cattle, Nature, 2003, 426, 834-837. 7 R.Woodroffe, F.J. Bourne, D.R. Cox, C.A. Donnelly, G. Gettinby, J.P.McInerney and W.I. Morrison. Welfare of badgers (Meles meles) subjected to culling: patterns of trap-related injury, Animal Welfare 2005, 14:11-17. 8 R.Woodroffe, F.J. Bourne, C.L. Cheeseman, D.R. Cox, C.A. Donnelly, G. Gettinby, J.P.McInerney and W.I. Morrison. Welfare of badgers (Meles meles) subjected to culling: development and evaluation of a closed season, Animal Welfare 2005, 14: 19-25. 9 W. T. Johnston, G. Gettinby, D.R. Cox, C.A. Donnelly, J. Bourne, R. Clifton-Hadley, A.M. Le Fevre, J.P. McInerney, A. Mitchell, W.I. Morrison and R. Woodroffe, Biology Letters doi:10.1098/rsbl.2004.0249 (published online) 10 W.I. Morrison, F.J.Bourne, D.R.Cox, C.A.Donnelly, G.Gettinby, J.P.McInerney,and R.Woodroffe. Pathogenesis and diagnosis of infections with Mycobacterium bovisin cattle.The Veterinary Record 236-242, February 26th 2000. 11 P.R.Wood, L.Corner, J.S.Rothel, C.Baldock, S.L.Jones, D.B.Cousins, B.S.McCormick, B.R.Francis, J.Creeper, and N.E.Tweedle. Field comparison of the interferon- gamma assay and the intradermal tuberculin test for the diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis.Australian Veterinary Journal,1991,68,286-290. 12 P.R.Wood, L.Corner, J.S.Rothel, J.L.Ripper, T.Fifis, B.S.McCormick, B.R.Francis, L.Melville, K.Small, K.De Witte, J.Tolson, T.J. Ryan, G.W.de Lisle, J.C.Cox and S.L.Jones.A field evaluation of serological and cellular diagnostic tests for bovine tuberculosis.Veterinary Microbiology,1992,31,71-79. 13 B.M.Buddle, A.R.McCarthy, T.J.Ryan, J.M.Pollock, H.M.Vordermeier, R.G.Hewinson, P.Anderson and G.W.deLisle. Use of mycobacterial peptides and recombinant proteins for the diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis in skin test-positive cattle.2003. Veterinary Record, 153, 615-620 14 H.M. Vordermeier, A. Whelan, P.J.Cockle, L.Farant, N.Palmer and R.G.Hewinson. Use of synthetic peptides derived from the antigens ESAT-6 and CFP-10 for differential diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis in catttle.2001. Clin Diagn Lab Immunol 8, 571. 15 N.Smith, J.Dale, J. Inwald, S.Palmer, S.V.Gordon,R.G.Hewinson and J.Maynard-Smith. Population structure of Mycobacterium bovis in Great Britain: clonal expansion 2003. Proc Natl Acad sci USA 16 A.Mitchell, D. Bourn, J.Mawdsley, W.Wint, R. Clifton–Hadley and M. Gilbert. Characteristics of cattle movements in Britain - an analysis of records from the cattle Tracing System. 2005- in preparation. 17 Independent Scientific group on cattle TB Vaccine Scoping Sub Committee. Development of vaccines for bovine tuberculosis. 2003, PB9102, Defra (London) 18 J.M.Griffin, D.H.Williams, G.E.Kelly, T.A.Clegg, I.O’Boyle, J.D.Collins and S.J.More. The impact of badger removal on the control of tuberculosis in cattle herds in Ireland. 2005, Prev Vet Medicine.

28 Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 2 Whit 2005 House of Commons Select Committee on Science and Technology

Under the Standing Orders, the Committee’s terms of reference are to examine "the expenditure, policy and administration of the Office of Science and Technology and its associated public bodies". The Committee was nominated on 12 November 2001. The Chairman was Dr Ian Gibson (Lab, Norwich North). Other members of the Committee were Paul Farrelly (Lab, Newcastle-under-Lyme), Dr Evan Harris (Lib Dem, Oxford West and Abingdon), Kate Hoey (Lab, Vauxhall), Dr Brian Iddon (Lab, Bolton South East), Mr Robert Key (Salisbury), Mr Tony McWalter (Lab/Co-op, Hemel Hempstead), Dr Andrew Murrison (Con, Westbury), Geraldine Smith (Lab, Morecambe and Lunesdale), Bob Spink (Con, Castle Point), and Dr Desmond Turner (Lab, Brighton Kemptown).

Oral Evidence The Medical Research Council’s Review of the National Institute for Medical Research The uncorrected transcripts of these evidence sessions are available on the Committee’s website. The Committee published its Fourth Report of Session 2004–05, The Medical Research Council’s Review of the Science Question Time National Institute for Medical Research (HC 6) on 8 The Committee hosted a "Science Question Time" with February 2005. Lord Sainsbury of Turville on Wednesday 2 March. The Committee undertook this inquiry as part of its Chief Scientific Adviser, Department for scrutiny of the Research Councils and in response to International Development: Introductory Hearing concerns raised about the way in which the Medical The Committee conducted an introductory hearing Research Council (MRC) had handled the review of the with Professor Gordon Conway, who took up his future of the National Institute for Medical Research position as Chief Scientific Adviser in the Department (NIMR). It concluded that MRC was right to establish a for International Development, on 11 January 2005. Task Force to consider the future of NIMR. However, The oral evidence session considered the new role and the appointment as Chairman of the MRC Chief its functions along with Professor Conway’s views on Executive, rather than a more independent figure, was how to take forward the science and research agenda naïve. The Task Force adopted sensible working within the Department for International Development methods; its meetings were chaired with objectivity and in international development more generally. and competence; and by publishing much material on Reports the MRC website, it was more transparent than many similar bodies. However, the Committee found that the Annual Report Task Force was unable to give proper consideration to The Committee published its Second Report of Session all the cost implications of the proposed move to one 2004-05, Annual Report 2004 (HC 199) on 17 January of two university hospital sites in central London. 2005. The Report looked at the work of the Committee in 2004. Office of Science and Technology: Scrutiny Report 2004 Human Reproductive Technologies and the Law The Committee published its Third Report of Session The Committee published its Fifth Report of Session 2004–05, Office of Science and Technology: Scrutiny 2004-05, Human Reproductive Technologies and the Law Report 2004 (HC 8) on 31 January 2005. (HC 7) on 24 March 2005. The Committee concluded that the Government's The Committee also published its Eighth Special Science and Innovation Investment Strategy 2004- Report of Session 2004-05, Inquiry into Human 2014 and the Spending Review that it accompanied Reproductive Technologies and the Law (HC 491) on 24 were welcome news for the UK scientific community. March 2005. These developments gave science the emphasis that it The Committee launched its inquiry into human deserved on the political agenda. The Office of Science reproductive technologies and the law in March 2004. and Technology (OST) had taken several positive steps The terms of reference were informed by a public e- to address many of the issues raised in the Committee’s consultation on some of the major issues involved in 2003 Report on its work. The Committee found that the inquiry, which ran from January to March 2004 at the Government had set itself several ambitious science www.tellparliament.net. The inquiry looked into how policy targets, most notably to dramatically increase human reproductive technologies are regulated in the investment in R&D as a proportion of GDP. If this UK. Terms of reference included the balance between target is to be met, the Government would have to legislation, regulation and reproductive freedom; the look at taking action close to home, as well as asking role of Parliament in the area of human reproductive the private sector to make improvements. The technologies; the ethical framework for legislation on Committee also recommended that OST should look reproductive technologies; the Human Fertilisation and carefully at some of the unintended consequences of Embryology Act 1990; and the work of the Human otherwise very positive new science policies. Fertilisation and Embryology Authority.

Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 2 Whit 2005 29 The Work of Research Councils UK Committee concluded that there was a risk that, if The Committee published its Sixth Report of Session many more STEM departments closed, the university 2004-05, The Work of Research Councils UK (HC 219) system would not be able to produce enough STEM on 23 March 2005. graduates to meet the Government's economic goals.

Forensic Science on Trial Government Responses The Committee published its Seventh Report of Second Special Report Session 2004–05, Forensic Science on Trial (HC 96) on The Committee published its Second Special Report of 29 March 2005. Session 2004-05, The Use of Science in UK International The Committee welcomed the fact that, during the Development Policy: Government Response to the course of this inquiry, the Home Office stated its Committee's Thirteenth Report of Session 2003-04 (HC intention to fully test the GovCo model for the 235) on 24 January 2005. Forensic Science Service (FSS), rather than automatically progressing to a Public Private Third Special Report Partnership. However, it regretted the confusing way in The Committee published its Third Special Report of which the Home Office announced this decision. It Session 2004-05, Responses to the Committee's Tenth also identified a need for the Government to Report, Session 2003-04, Scientific Publications: Free for implement measures to ensure that the criminal justice all? Responses to the Committee's 14th Report of Session system had uninterrupted access to the full range of 2003-04 (HC 249) on 1 February 2005. forensic services of the required quality standards and at affordable prices. The Committee recommended that Fourth Special Report a Forensic Science Advisory Council be established to The Committee published its Fourth Special Report of act as a regulator of the forensic services market, and Session 2004–05, Government support for Beagle 2: to provide a much needed overview of the process by Responses to the Committee's Twelfth Report of Session which forensic science is used in the criminal justice 2003-04 (HC 301) on 9 February 2005. system. Fifth Special Report Although the Committee accepted that flaws in expert evidence in court are unlikely to have led, in isolation, The Committee published its Fifth Special Report of to a significant number of miscarriages of justice, it Session 2004–05, The Work of the Economic and Social concluded that it was impossible to determine the Research Council: Government Response to the number of cases which had been adversely affected by Committee's First Report of Session 2004-05 (HC 401) the conduct of an expert, or the handling of expert on 7 March 2005. evidence in court. The Committee recommended Sixth Special Report various measures to improve the handling of expert evidence in court, in particular, the establishment of a The Committee published its Sixth Special Report of Science and the Law Forum and a Scientific Review Session 2004-05, Office of Science and Technology: Committee within the Criminal Cases Review Scrutiny Report 2004: Government Response to the Commission, to promote communication between the Committee's Third Report of Session 2004-05 (HC 453) scientific and legal professions and to provide for on 22 March 2005. ongoing scientific scrutiny of expert evidence. Seventh Special Report The Committee published its Seventh Special Report of Session 2004-05, The Medical Research Council's Strategic Science Provision in English Universities Review of the Future of the National Institute for Medical The Committee published its Eighth Report of Session Research: Responses to the Committee's Fourth Report of 2004–05, Strategic Science Provision in English Session 2004-05 (HC 454) on 22 March 2005. Universities (HC 220) on 7 April 2005. The Committee concluded that, through its funding Further Information regime, the Government was passively pursuing a policy of research concentration that would call the Further information about the work of the Committee financial viability of some university departments into or its current inquires can be obtained from the Clerk question. Universities’ financial difficulties were greatly of the Committee, Chris Shaw, the Second Clerk, increased by a steady decline in the number of Emily Commander, or from the Committee Assistant, students wanting to study science subjects. The Ana Ferreira on 020 7219 2792/0859/2794; or by Committee found that the two important roles of writing to: The Clerk of the Committee, Science and teaching and knowledge transfer were frequently Technology Committee, House of Commons, 7 overlooked in the competition for research funds. It Millbank, London SW1P 3JA. Inquiries can also be recommended that universities diversified to allow emailed to [email protected]. Anyone wishing each institution to concentrate on its strengths and to be included on the Committee’s mailing list should reduce the strain on resources. It called this the "hub contact the staff of the Committee. and spokes" model. Through collaboration on a The Committee has a new website address: regional basis, universities could ensure that all their www.parliament.uk/s&tcom. All recent publications staff and students had access to research, teaching and (from May 1997 onwards), terms of reference for all knowledge transfer, whatever their own focus. The inquiries and press notices are available at this address.

30 Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 2 Whit 2005 House of Lords Science and Technology Select Committee

The members of the Committee (appointed 1 December 2004) are Lord Broers (Chairman), Baroness Finlay of Llandaff, Lord Mitchell, Lord Patel, Lord Paul, Baroness Perry of Southwark, Baroness Platt of Writtle, Baroness Sharp of Guildford, Lord Soulsby of Swaffham Prior, Lord Sutherland of Houndwood, Lord Taverne, Lord Turnberg, Lord Winston and Lord Young of Graffham

The Reports and Calls for Evidence for the inquiries district heating system in Gothenburg, which collects waste mentioned below can be found at the Committee’s web site heat from industrial processes and sewage treatment, and www.parliament.uk/hlscience. distributes it around the city via a 700km network of Scientific aspects of ageing pipes. In Germany, there was much interest in a public- private partnership scheme in Berlin in which savings from Sub-Committee I, chaired by Lord Sutherland of reduced energy use were split between a private company, Houndwood, has finished hearing oral evidence for its which made the investment in energy efficient measures, inquiry into the scientific aspects of ageing. Members are and the local authority. investigating the ageing process, and how science and Further trips have also been made to a renovated Georgian technology can help postpone and mitigate the effects of terrace house in Knightsbridge which has substantially illnesses or disabilities associated with growing old, and reduced its energy demand; Leicester, which has had a assist the elderly in adapting to the challenges of, for strong commitment to managing its energy resources since example, restricted mobility and deteriorating senses. the 1970s; and Durham University, which has implemented The Sub-Committee has heard very interesting evidence energy efficient measures in a dispersed and historic about the research that is being carried out in the UK, in setting. areas such as the importance of nutrition in the ageing The report is expected to be published in early July. process, heart and circulatory diseases, and musculoskeletal Christopher Johnson ([email protected]) is the disorders such as arthritis. In January, the Sub-Committee Clerk of Sub-Committee II. visited Washington DC, in particular to hear about the work of the National Institute on Aging (NIA). The NIA Radioactive waste management receives funding of $1 billion a year, 10% of which is spent Following the Select Committee’s critical report on on its own research centre, and the rest used to finance radioactive waste management in December, the research elsewhere in the US. Members heard about the Government response was published in a report on 5 April. latest advances in understanding processes and diseases of Members of the Select Committee took the opportunity to ageing, and how such research was co-ordinated in the comment briefly on the response. United States. In general, the Select Committee was satisfied with the Ministers from the Departments of Health and Transport, response – while differences clearly remained between and the Office of Science and Technology appeared before respective positions, the Government had addressed the the Sub-Committee on 22 March, rounding off the public conclusions in a thorough and thoughtful fashion. The sessions. The report is expected to be published in early increased involvement of Defra’s Chief Scientific Advisor July. Michael Collon ([email protected]) is the Clerk was welcomed, as was the commitment to start planning of Sub-Committee I. for the next stage of radioactive waste management strategy Energy efficiency this summer. Baroness Perry of Southwark is chairing Sub-Committee II’s There was concern, however, that one member of CoRWM investigation of the Government’s targets for increased had been suspended, and another had suspended himself energy efficiency. In particular, the Committee is examining voluntarily. Both members possessed highly relevant the Government’s recently published energy efficiency "Plan technical expertise, which the Select Committee had for Action" which details ambitious reductions in energy already found to be lacking on CoRWM. Additionally, the use. Select Committee called on CoRWM to follow the Government’s Code of Practice for Scientific Advisory The Defra Minister, Lord Whitty, gave evidence on April 6, Committees marking the completion of oral evidence. Evidence has been heard from a wide range of representatives, including from the Carbon Trust and Energy Saving Trust, and the Further Information UK Energy Research Centre. Evidence was also heard from Further information about the work of the Select sectors including the building and energy industries, Committee can be obtained from the Clerk, Christopher consumer electronics and air conditioning. Johnson ([email protected]). A free weekly notice The Sub-Committee visited Germany and Sweden in of business of all House of Lords Select Committees is January. In Sweden, Members were particularly impressed available from Geoff Newsome, 020 7219 6678. The by the high standards required for buildings and the Committee’s email address is [email protected]

Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 2 Whit 2005 31 Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology

Recent POST publications and global emissions, and also the costs, environmental Data protection and medical research impacts and public perceptions of CCS. January 2005 POSTnote 235 Current work Introduction of the NHS National Programme for IT in Biological Sciences and Health England and Wales will potentially allow researchers POSTnotes in preparation on Drugs for neglected diseases, greater access to medical data. Increased use of electronic the role of Research Ethics Committees, the Changing role patient records raises concerns about consent, of pharmacies, Alcohol and public health and Gene therapy. confidentiality and security. This note outlines the types of Environment and Energy patient data that are stored, explains their research uses, POSTnotes in preparation on Early warnings for natural examines the current regulatory system and analyses issues disasters, Materials in housing construction, Recycling such as anonymisation, confidentiality and consent. household waste, Rapid climate change and Sustainable The bushmeat trade UK fisheries. February 2005 POSTnote 236 Physical Sciences and IT There is increasing concern about the commercial trade in POSTnotes in preparation on Nanotechnology – risk and “bushmeat” (the meat of wild animals) originating in West opportunity, e-science and the GRID, Mobile phones, The and Central Africa. Unsustainable levels of bushmeat militarisation of space, Criminal justice system ICT hunting could threaten both wildlife populations and the (“joined-up justice”) and Open source software. people who depend on bushmeat for food or income. Of Science policy particular relevance to the UK are the implications of the POSTnotes in preparation on Undergraduate science trade for human and animal health through possible education and The 24 hour society. disease transmission. This note summarises the causes and effects of the bushmeat trade, UK policy and remaining Staff changes challenges. In February, Ms Clare Armstrong joined POST as a Managing the UK plutonium stockpile secretary, after a long period during which the Office had to rely on temporary staff. February 2005 POSTnote 237 As a result of both civilian and military activities in the In April, Dr Jofey Craig went on maternity leave and was UK, a stockpile of plutonium has accumulated for which replaced by Dr Bella Starling, who comes to POST on there is currently no long term management strategy. secondment from the Wellcome Trust. Proposed options include treating it as a waste or using it Seminars in nuclear fuel to generate electricity. Discussions have In February and March, POST collaborated with OFCOM recently been initiated by the Committee on Radioactive to organise two parliamentary seminars. The first Waste Management (CoRWM) on the implications of concentrated on the implementation of digital television managing plutonium as waste; currently none is classified switchover, while the second, on new communications as such. This note provides background information on technologies, included hands-on demonstrations of various the UK’s stockpile and examines safety and proliferation forms of new technologies, such as high definition TV and issues. It outlines why a management strategy is required new mobile phone designs. and summarises commentary on long-term options. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) Fellows and Interns at POST March 2005 POSTnote 238 Since the start of 2005, POST has welcomed its first EPSRC As part of the Government’s global strategy to address fellow, Oliver Tearne, and also Joanne Baker (Oxford climate change, the 2003 Energy White Paper sets the University), Jawad Masood (Cambridge University), Karina target of a 60% reduction in UK emissions of the Drif and Nicola Patmore (ESRC fellows). greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO2) by 2050, to about In January, POST was pleased to host a two-week visit from 240 million tonnes (Mt) a year from 550Mt in 2000. Dr Kathleen Logan, Policy Officer of the Royal Society of Increased energy efficiency and use of renewable energy New Zealand, who examined our working methods. are the key mechanisms proposed to achieve this. However the White Paper suggests the continuing International Activities importance of fossil fuels to ensure security of electricity The director and Dr Kate Trumper participated in the 2005 supplies. Using fossil fuels in a low-carbon economy Directors’ meeting of the European Parliamentary requires their CO2 emissions be reduced. This note Technology Assessment network, held in Bruges, in March. discusses the potential of carbon capture and storage Dr Trumper also represented POST at a European (CCS), a method of carbon ‘sequestration’, to reduce UK Commission conference on "Science in Society" in Brussels.

32 Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 2 Whit 2005 House of Commons Library Science and Environment Section Research Papers

The following is a summary of papers produced for Members of Parliament. Information and copies of papers can be obtained from Michael Crawford at the House of Commons Library on 020 7219 6788 or through www.parliament.uk/parliamentary_publications_and_archives/research_papers.cfm

The Clean Neighbourhoods and evade arrest by swallowing the evidence. Environment Bill The Bill would introduce further powers for police to test Research Paper 05/01 those suspected of misusing drugs on arrest, and require The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Bill was those who test positive to attend an assessment. There are published on 7 December 2004 and had its Second also provisions to supplement anti-social behaviour orders Reading on 10 January 2005. The Bill presents a number of in cases where behaviour is affected by drug misuse. Government proposals that are designed to take forward its The Bill extends mainly to England and Wales but has policy on creating Cleaner, Safer and Greener some provisions for Northern Ireland. It received Royal Communities. The Bill extends to England and Wales. It Assent on 7th April. received Royal Assent on 7th April. The Drugs Bill Research Papers were also produced on the Research Paper 05/07 following Private Members' Bills: The Drugs Bill was introduced in the House of Commons The Drugs (Sentencing and Commission of Inquiry) Bill: on 16 December 2004. The Bill had its Second Reading on Research Paper 05/16 18 January 2005. The Health and Safety (Directors’ Duties) Bill: Research The Bill introduces new measures to deal with the Paper 05/18 problems caused by the misuse of controlled drugs. It The Smoking in Public Places (Wales)Bill: Research Paper concentrates on measures designed to break the link 05/22 between drug use and crime. It seeks to introduce harsher The above Bills did not progress through all their sentences for dealers who target children or who attempt to parliamentary stages before the dissolution of Parliament.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR opinions for research to proceed. There is confusion between pedagogic activity whereby we work with students, teaching them how to do research and research Sir, governance which evaluates the scientific merit of investigative endeavours. The hurdles that are being set Assessment Fatigue Syndrome are so daunting, that students (and professional Over the last decade there has been an exponential increase researchers) feel it has become a defensive exercise that is of performance measurement in Higher Education, inimitable to creative and imaginative research. designed to increase the quality and quantity of output. Contributory factors to the present obsession to measure We are beset by a proliferation of accreditations, rather than do are: the development of a litigation validations, benchmarking, teaching audits and research mentality creating a cycle in which liability has become assessments. Whilst accountabilities and transparency of individualised, accidents blameworthy and the public research governance are to be welcomed, I submit that the compensation seeking; consumer rights which confer a veritable legion of education evaluators and ethical sense of entitlement for the lay public to have sway in scutineers are in danger of inhibiting intellectual health scientific endeavours, at its most radical with the activities instead of curing the problems they were designed to of the politically extreme; a loss of public confidence in the mitigate. scientific community to regulate itself as exemplified by the Different agencies "own" these evaluative ventures and Alder Hay scandal. rarely seem to talk to each other despite the overlap in As a solution, we need some rationalising of the various their spheres of interest. Preparation absorbs countless assessment exercises whereby common domains of hours of discussion and endless amounts of labour writing assessment can be signed off and accepted by relevant the appropriate documentation. This erodes time for bodies and thus avoid duplication of effort; and for the creative conversations about ideas and actually undertaking pendulum of ethical scrutiny to swing back to a the research, which ironically will be the target of the next manageable norm. round of the research assessment exercise. Professor Jennifer Brown A further frustration is the increasingly stringent Department of Psychology requirements of ethics committees who provide favourable University of Surrey.

Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 2 Whit 2005 33 REPORTS ON MEETINGS

Science and the General Election On Tuesday 1 March 2005 Dr Stephen Benn, the Innovation; the Conservative Party, Mr Robert Key MP, Parliamentary Affairs Officer of The Royal Society of Shadow Science Minister; the Liberal Democrats, Dr Chemistry co-ordinated a special event hosted by Dr Evan Harris MP, Member of the House of Commons Brian Iddon MP and Dr Andrew Murrison MP at very Science & Technology Select Committee; Plaid short notice in the Attlee Suite, Portcullis House, to Cymru, Simon Thomas MP, Chief Whip & which all the major parties represented at Westminster Frontbench Spokesperson; the Scottish National Party had been invited to send a spokesperson to present had been invited but did not send a their party’s policies on science. The Society hoped spokesperson. that this meeting would provide a welcome Following presentations by the political parties, the opportunity for science and engineering issues to be co-chairmen presided over the main feature of the discussed in advance of a General Election. The event event – Question Time. The meeting has already been was very widely supported by, among others, the comprehensively reported elsewhere in The Times Royal Society, The Royal Academy of Engineering, the with the title – The difference between politicians and Science Council, the Institute of Physics, the scientists? One just can’t say ‘n’ – and published in the Biosciences Federation and Save British Science. The Science Notebook of 7 March by Anjana Ahuja (see Attlee Suite was filled to capacity with some 220 www.timesonline.co.uk) who has been a feature writer participants. for nine years, reporting and commenting on science, The President of the Royal Society, Lord May, and the medicine and social affairs. She sits on the Science in President of the Royal Academy of Engineering, Lord Society Committee at the Royal Society, and the Broers, co-chaired the day’s proceedings. Those who editorial committee of the BA magazine. She has spoke on behalf of their political parties were: the previously written for Science in Parliament and holds Labour Party, The Lord Sainsbury of Turville, Minister a PhD in physics from Imperial College. The ‘n’ in for Science and her title refers of course to "nuclear".

UK National Science Week 2005 the theme for the evening Reception and it is hoped On Monday 14th March Dr Brian Iddon MP that this might become an annual freestanding event sponsored the annual exhibition of presentations by in Westminster in future. Some fifty-seven MPs had Britain’s top Younger Scientists, Engineers and also given prior notice of their intention of visiting the Technologists in the Churchill Room at the House of Receptions. Commons. SET for Britain does not take any part in judging. The participants were welcomed by Eric Wharton on That is the role of the Poster Judges; eighteen Judges behalf of SET for BRITAIN to the 8th Annual assisted with assessment of the Lunchtime Reception Reception for Britain’s top younger researchers at the (all SET), and ten Judges with the Evening Reception House of Commons held in the UK’s National Science (Biosciences). Awards are based on excellence of the Week. He thanked Dr Brian Iddon MP for his work presented and the personal involvement and sponsorship of the event and went on to point out understanding of the work by the presenter. Judging that Brian is one of a number of Champions at is not an easy task in view of the excellence of both Westminster for UK science, engineering, medicine the posters and their presenters. General objectives of and technology, being also a member of the Commons the event include fostering greater interaction and Select Committee for Science and Technology and a networking both between younger researchers and senior member of the Parliamentary and Scientific with Parliamentarians and providing opportunities for Committee. These events are highly regarded and competition and experience in presenting their work very important opportunities for bringing to others. The generous donations made in support of parliamentarians directly into contact with the two Receptions and Awards by GlaxoSmithKline, outstanding young researchers and selected aspects of ABPI, BBSRC, MRC, BIA, Biosciences Federation and their research. About 540 applications to display The Biochemical Society were gratefully acknowledged. posters were received this year and of these about 270 Awards were presented by Dr Malcolm Skingle, were selected, 170 for the Lunchtime Reception and Director of Academic Liaison, GSK, at the Lunchtime 100 for the Evening Reception requiring a two-shift Reception and by Lord Sainsbury, Minister for Science system for posters at each reception. Biosciences were and Innovation, at the Evening Reception.

34 Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 2 Whit 2005 Parliamentary & Scientific Committee News

A New Website for the P&S Committee meetings, but not the topic under discussion. http://www.scienceinparliament.org.uk The new site is also designed to provide Members of The Committee’s new website has been designed to the Committee with the additional convenience of meet a range of current and future needs following online access to the current and three previous issues critical review by the Council of the initial proposals. of Science in Parliament, also under password Firstly and most importantly it will provide Members protection. In order to inform the wider public of our with the full details of the future programme of work it also provides non-members with the activities planned for the Committee, accessible by opportunity to learn about many aspects of the means of a password that is only available to Members Committee’s work and to purchase and download of the Committee. This will include the titles of selected articles and complete issues of Science in subjects planned for discussion and debate at Parliament. The site has been designed from the meetings in the Houses of Parliament and the outset with future developments in mind and is locations and topics planned for site visits. This sufficiently flexible to enable it to be upgraded to take information is complementary to second class mail or account of new functions and applications requested e-mail which will remain the primary methods of by the membership. communication with the membership. The website The site is maintained by a webmaster who also built will be particularly important, for example, in the site, Dr Stephen Henley CEng FIMMM, a providing details of the meeting room allocated on the mathematical geoscientist who is internationally day of a meeting, especially as these are subject to recognised for his part in development of the G-Exec change following the advertisement of a meeting. In system for managing earth science data in the days addition, Members can now also take advantage of a when the NERC only had one computer, a mainframe new facility on this site to communicate directly with based in Swindon, and as developer of the Datamine the P&SC office should they need to do so. Non- mining industry software. He now specialises in members will have restricted access to the meetings research on database and modelling applications in timetable, and will only be able to view the dates of the geosciences.

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 10th January to 7th April 2005 from both Houses of Parliament appears on pages 39 to 47. Science Policy

Science and Treaties (S&T Report) Another issue was the role of Parliament in the treaty- Debate in the House of Lords on Thursday 3 February making process. At present Parliament has no say in the negotiating process or in the final wording. The European Lord Mitchell introduced the report of the Science and constitutional treaty is an almost unique exception to that. Technology Committee on Science and Treaties (3rd Twenty-five years ago scientists at the British Antarctic Report, Session 2003-04, HL Paper 110). Turning to the Survey first alerted the world to the depletion of the ozone subject of science attachés at missions overseas, the layer. In a short time the Montreal Protocol was adopted committee’s specific concern was whether the network was and today its depletion has been arrested. The most adequate in China and India. In China there are at present important aspect of the report concerns Kyoto and global scientific attachés in three posts: Beijing, Shanghai and warming. Only ratification of the protocol by the US will Chongqing. In April a fourth post, Guangzhou, will join send the necessary signal to the rest of the world that that them. In India there are precisely two such posts, in New country takes the matter seriously. Global warming is now Delhi and Bangalore. Four posts in China and two in India the number one threat to planet Earth. are simply not enough. Regarding interdepartmental co- ordination, the designation of a lead department is Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean responded by recommended. Silo mentalities in departments were also pointing out that the Foreign Office has made a substantial highlighted. increase in the number of science officers in recent years

Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 2 Whit 2005 35 and has given priority to science resources in important The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health emerging economies which include China and India. In (Miss Melanie Johnson) pointed out that a widely 2000 there were 34 people in 11 missions in 10 countries respected regulatory system to license specific research and territories undertaking science and innovation work. activities involving embryos is now in place. That has There are now 97 people in 45 missions in 26 countries enabled scientists in the UK to derive new embryonic stem and territories taking forward the science agenda. The cell lines using spare embryos that are not suitable for use network has almost tripled since 2000. There is a growing in IVF treatment. New regulations were passed in 2000 to momentum in the US at state, city and business levels on permit the use of cell nuclear replacement (cloning) to climate change and work is under way to persuade the US develop embryonic stem cells. In the UK this research is that it is possible to reduce emissions while maintaining under the control of the Human Fertilization and strong economic growth. The appointment of Gordon Embryology Authority (HFEA). In May 2004 the Conway of the Rockefeller Foundation as Scientific advisor Government created the world’s first stem cell bank. HFEA to DfID is a cause for celebration by all concerned. The granted its first licence for therapeutic cloning last year and present arrangements for treaty scrutiny already provide a second for motor neurone disease this year. Sir Chris considerable scope for parliamentary involvement. The Evans of Merlin Biosciences is the principal backer of the UK’s support of the British Antarctic Survey reinforces the East of England stem cell network which is supported UK’s influence and status at Antarctic treaty negotiations. financially by the East of England Development Agency with the objective to promote translation of stem cell Apprenticeships preclinical research into clinical trials and possible treatments. Question and Oral Answer on Thursday 3 March Mrs Claire Curtis-Thomas (Crosby): To ask the Minister Generation IV Nuclear Reactors for Women what opportunities are available for women to Question and Written Answer on Monday 14 March undertake apprenticeships in science, engineering and Llew Smith (Blaenau Gwent): To ask the Secretary of State technology-related subjects. for Trade and Industry what funding she plans to allocate The Deputy Minister for Women and Equality (Jacqui to the multilateral collaboration with France, Japan, Smith): Apprenticeship opportunities are open to all Canada and the United States on research and development candidates, regardless of gender or ethnicity. However, the for Generation IV Nuclear Reactors; what mechanisms will Government recognise that women and girls have apply to the administration of the funds; and whether the traditionally not taken up apprenticeships in those subjects Nuclear Decommissioning Authority will have a role in this in significant numbers. We are working across Government research. to tackle the barriers that hinder female participation in Mr Mike O'Brien: DTI expects to provide funding of up to science, engineering and technology, including through £5 million per annum for UK participation in international apprenticeships. For example, through our work in the research collaborations on advanced nuclear reactor manufacturing forum, we have established a sub-group on systems. The mechanisms for administering these funds are the image of manufacturing to look at promoting the sector under development. The Nuclear Decommissioning to key audiences, including women. Authority (NDA) does not have an interest in Generation Stem Cell Research IV research, except where that research relates to decommissioning plants in the future. Debate in the House of Commons on Monday 7 March Dr Ian Gibson (Norwich, North) noted that Sir John International Development Policy Chisholm, chief executive of QinetiQ believes that the (Science) Government’s record of support for science-based industry Debate in Westminster Hall on Thursday 17 March is falling short. For example, liquid crystal display constitutes a £10 billion industry with little of it exploited Dr Ian Gibson (Norwich, North) indicated that he was in the UK. How do we make science and innovation reap seeking brief but pungent points when introducing the economic benefits? A key issue is to create new medicines report on the use of science in United Kingdom to treat disease by exploiting adult stem cells or international development policy to the House. This is the manufactured immortalised stem cells, although little or no first time that the Science and Technology Committee had funds have been allocated to translational steps since this addressed the work of DFID, which received about £3.8 tends not to generate peer-reviewed publications, thus billion of the aid budget in 2004-5. One hundred putting university departments at risk in research submissions of evidence were received and seven sessions assessment exercises. The money allocated to the MRC for held, involving DFID officials and representatives of stem cells is focused on hypothesis-driven research. organisations involved in capacity building, agriculture, forestry, environment, engineering, health research and Applied research and development projects are conducted development. The Government’s Chief scientific Adviser, and judged in a very different way from hypothesis-driven officials from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, UK research. The best solution is offered by the stem cell Trade and Investment, the British Council and the Secretary foundation set up by Sir Christopher Evans who has the of State for International Development, were all spoken to. ability and desire to pick winners and back them all the Visits were made to the Overseas Development Institute and way through to the therapies offered to patients. We must to Malawi to meet the President, Members of Parliament, act swiftly if we are to capture the fruits of British research senior officials and to see agriculture and health projects. for the UK as we are being overhauled by countries such as China and Korea, and the US brain drain is also increasing. This is a high-flying report that took wide-ranging

36 Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 2 Whit 2005 evidence. When the inquiry was announced in 2003, the much better with the advent of long-distance learning. DFID had a reputation that it did not do science. The The British Council science sector has a budget of £8 Committee therefore decided to take a good hard look at million with science programmes in 62 countries, but only DFID, as international development is far too important to in 12 developing countries. DFID should help organise the be left to economists and social workers. The presence of Commission for Africa. The Committee did not receive a Professor Gordon Conway – a real, bona fide, hard scientist clear answer from the head of the central research unlike the soft social scientists, and the increase in the department at DFID on the impact on SET projects of a research budget from £80 to £136 million per annum, shift to direct budgetary support. shows the value of Select Committees, as a response had The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for been obtained before the report was published. The report International Development (Mr Gareth Thomas) calls for increased capacity building for science, technology responded as the only non-hard scientist present, having and engineering in developing countries, including just had a tutorial in science. He conceded that there was establishment of a development sciences research board a perception that science was not done well enough. The with an initial budget of £100 million. need for a chief scientific adviser was one of the strongest Dr Brian Iddon (Bolton, South East) emphasised that it is messages delivered by the Committee. Following the important that the pursuit of the eight millenium appointment of Professor Gordon Conway FRS in January development goals does not take resources away from his first job will be to prepare a science and innovation existing programmes for the supply of clean water, safe strategy. The Department has agreed with ESRC that both sanitation, health care, infrastructure development and will contribute to a new three-year £13 million programme sustainable energy. Malawi is in need of a geological survey for research that proposes ideas that have positive impact to guide the search for underground water and to avoid the on world poverty. Additional funding proposed for the needless accidental destruction of vital aquifers by 2006 spending review, and an assessment of a development uncontrolled drilling. science research board will depend on the outcome of a Mr Tony McWalter (Hemel Hempstead) indicated that the working group chaired by Sir David King. Government’s response to the previous point that, "activity The Commission for Africa recommended $3 billion be is maintained in those areas, often with international invested over 10 years to develop centres of excellence in finance institutions or EU funding," is an appallingly laid- SET in African Universities and was discussed by Professor back approach to this huge and important problem. Conway in South Africa with the New Partnership for Dr Brian Iddon went on to outline several important Africa’s Development. Health spending will increase by issues, for example, in Tanzania specialists told the local £20 million. There is a £100 million programme of population what to do without asking what the problems assistance to Malawi focused on the health service that is were or what help was needed. We can now train people overwhelmed by HIV/AIDS.

Health Sunlight Exposure has increased substantially in white populations in the United Kingdom and Europe for several decades. The Question and Written Answer on Thursday 3 March review did not consider clinical issues such as the effect of Dr Gibson (Norwich N): To ask the Secretary of State for sun exposure on survival rates for melanoma. Health (1) what recent research he has examined The review noted that the possibility has been raised that concerning (a) the effects of lifetime exposure to sunlight the immunosuppressive effects of UVR might be involved on the risk of melanoma and (b) the effect of sun exposure in causing lymphoma. The review concluded that overall on survival rates for melanoma; (2) what recent research he the results are not consistent with a major role for solar has examined concerning the effect of exposure to UV light UVR in the aetiology of non-Hodgkins lymphoma (NHL), on the risk of lymphoma; (3) what recent research he has but they leave open the possibility of a minor role, or an examined concerning the effect of exposure to vitamin D aetiological relation for a particular subtype of NHL. from sunlight in the months immediately after birth on the risk of developing multiple sclerosis. The review also contains a chapter on vitamin D, which considers the amount of vitamin D needed from UV Miss Melanie Johnson: The most recent review of the exposure or the diet to sustain adequate vitamin D levels. It research evidence about the health effects of UV radiation considers the role of vicarious sun exposure in vitamin D was published in 2002 by the National Radiological synthesis. It notes that infant formula milks are fortified Protection Board's (NRPB) independent advisory group on with vitamin D. There is no information in the review on non-ionising radiation (AGNIR). vitamin D and multiple sclerosis, or on any relationship The review gives clear evidence that exposure to ultra- between vitamin D levels in early childhood and illness in violet radiation (UVR) is a risk factor for developing adulthood. melanoma and other skin cancers. There is less certainty The European skin cancer society, Euroskin, is hosting an about the relative roles of cumulative (lifetime) exposure or international meeting to look at the whole issue of UV burning episodes in the genesis of the different types of exposure, vitamin D levels and health later this year. This skin cancer. Chronic exposure to solar radiation also causes meeting will include consideration of hypotheses of a wider photo-ageing of the skin. The risk of developing melanoma role for vitamin D in long-term health.

Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 2 Whit 2005 37 Climate Change Global Warming and Climate Change The Minister for the Environment and Agriculture (Mr Debate in Westminster Hall on Tuesday 18 January Elliott Morley) stated that global warming is a reality. The scientific evidence is overwhelming. We must have a Mr Alan Meale (Mansfield) introduced global warming, balance of energy sources. The UK receives a third of its climate change and the Kyoto protocol as the subject to power from coal and there is a role for clean coal be debated, although some people such as the Dane, technology. The Kyoto process is just the first step. Bjorn Lomborg, argues in his book "The Sceptical Saudi Arabia is well placed to adapt to the changes Environmentalist" that it is not happening and that global needed for a low carbon economy as there will still be warming is a conspiracy devised as an academic concept enormous demand for oil therefore the opposition from to gain research funding. Leading American scientists oil-producing states led by Saudi Arabia was a complete have recently established that concentrations of CO2 gas and utter disgrace. The UK has reduced greenhouse have now risen to 375ppm from 280ppm at the time of gases by 14 per cent with a 35 per cent economic growth. the industrial revolution. The role of gases in trapping heat was first recognised in 1827 by Jean Baptiste Fourier and proved by John Tyndall in 1861 by quantitative Climate Change (EUC Report) spectroscopy. Sven Arrhenius, the Swedish Chemist, in Debate in House of Lords on Wednesday 23 February 1896 promoted the idea that coal combustion could Lord Renton of Mount Harry rose to move that this enhance the greenhouse effect and lead to global House takes note of the report of the European Union warming, supported in 1949 by G.S. Callendar in the UK. Committee on the EU and Climate Change (30th Report, More recently chlorofluorocarbons, methane and nitrous Session 2003-04, HL Paper 179). Climate change is oxide were also identified as greenhouse gases. happening, it is very largely man-made and is a substantial In 1988 the intergovernmental panel on climate change problem. The EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) is a calculated that a 60 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions central element in the EU’s programme and currently could halt global warming leading ultimately to the Kyoto applies to carbon dioxide only, but other gases may be protocol that will come into force legally in February included from 2008. The scheme covers the largest point 2005 in signatory countries. American industry will source CO2 emitters which account for about 46 per cent research cleaner technologies, especially hydrogen and of EU emissions. Companies and not member states are fuel cells over the next 25 years. However the United responsible for reductions. It is a bold scheme – the first Nations reported that between the mid-1990s and 2000 multinational scheme of its type – covering 23 of the 28 almost 300 sq km of land were desertified each year and countries that Kyoto caps. It must be extended globally to by 2025 two thirds of arable land in Africa, one third in include other major developing countries. Asia and one fifth in South America will have disappeared. This will result in 135 million people being It is based on national allocation plans. The recent put at risk of displacement, particularly from the edges of resubmission by Defra of the UK allocation with a 3 per existing deserts. The proportion of people living in cent increase has been badly received by both the countries suffering water stress will double by 2025. Commission and other countries. Transport contributes about 25 per cent of the UK CO2 emissions and road A recent report prepared for the Arctic Council reported a transport about 85 per cent of that, indicating that more 10 per cent loss of ice in the last ten years that could should be done to develop low emission vehicles. Aviation ultimately lead to thawing of the Siberian Tundra accounts for about 11 per cent of the UK’s total climate releasing vast amounts of methane and warming the impact which rise sharply as it is the fastest growing source planet even faster. Other impacts include loss of krill, the of emissions. The impact of aviation emissions is 2.7 times staple diet of mammals in the southern ocean, the loss of that of carbon dioxide alone and emissions from intra-EU forests and rising sea level of about 7m due to loss of flights should be brought into the EU ETS as soon as glaciers and ice sheets that would put major coastal possible. conurbations under water and small islands could disappear entirely. The question of building new nuclear reactors will have to The view that there are no solutions must not be expressed. be revisited as it will be very difficult to meet UK targets However many different energy options must be reconsidered for CO2 reduction without doing so. For example, 75 to including solar energy, radiant energy from thermonuclear 80 per cent of French electricity is already nuclear in origin. reaction, mechanical energy from machines, potential energy Lord Whitty responded that many people have from water, chemical energy from molecular reaction, complimented the Government for making climate change incineration, electrical energy from charged atoms, nuclear a central priority for the UK presidency of the EU which energy from splitting atoms and thermal energy from heated provides a focus on what happens beyond Kyoto. The big matter. Mankind’s problem is the maintenance of such omission from this is the United States where the energy supplies safely, efficiently and in sufficient quantity. underlying American position is that technology will solve Mr Robert Key (Salisbury) pointed out that in the 1997 all the problems. If the UK Government were to consider Labour election manifesto the Prime Minister promised a the future of and recognise a need for nuclear power, then 20 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions by 2010, with a continuing investment in research and development would further goal of a 60 per cent reduction by 2050. In be needed. In addition, large scale generation of electricity December 2004 the Government admitted that current on a low carbon basis through tidal and wind power is policies are likely to lead to a reduction of only around absolutely essential. The Government think that aviation 14 per cent by 2010. The Government is also failing to should join the Emissions Trading Scheme in 2008. deliver the renewable energy target of 10 per cent for Buildings create about 50% of UK carbon emissions and overall energy use by 2010, which now stands at only 3 much more needs to be done to improve their energy per cent. efficiency.

38 Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 2 Whit 2005 UK Parliament - Digest of Parliamentary Debates, Questions and Answers 10th January – 7th April 2005

The references are to Hansard, giving first the date of publication, either HoC (House of Commons) or HoL (House of Lords), and finally the column number in Hansard. *Denotes selected Debates and Questions and Answers of particular interest which are reproduced on pages 35 to 38.

Agriculture Meat Imports (China) – 21.3.05 HoC 542W Agriculture: Pest Bird Control – 21.3.05 HoL WA11 Pheasants – 26.1.05 HoC 341W Apiculture – 19.1.05 HoC 933W, 31.1.05 HoC 574W & Seal Pups – 24.1.05 HoC 151W 28.2.05 HoC 924W State Veterinary Service – 10.1.05 HoC 179W, 3.3.05 HoL Beekeeping – 13.1.05 HoC 644W & 21.3.05 HoC 535W WA49, 18.3.05 HoC 497W & 23.3.05 HoC 72WS Bees – 24.3.05 HoC 924W Veterinary Medicines – 18.1.05 HoC 889W & 20.1.05 Bird Control – 21.3.05 HoC 536W HoC 1047W Environmentally Friendly Farms – 4.4.05 HoC 1082W Veterinary Support – 10.1.05 HoC 61W EU: Fruit Plant Directive – 1.3.05 HoL WA20 Veterinary Surgeons Act – 7.2.05 HoC 1216W Food Production: UK Self-sufficiency – 22.2.05 HoL 1096 Fruit Farming – 17.3.05 HoC 389 Animal Experiments Honey Production – 17.1.05 HoC 725W Animal Experimentation – 4.3.05 HoC 1473W, 15.3.05 Indigenous Food: Self-sufficiency – 8.2.05 HoL WA110 HoC 190W & 16. 3.05 HoC 310W National Bee Unit – 19.1.05 HoC 944W, 24.1.05 HoC Adjournment debate – 23.2.05 HoC 448 12W & 9.3.05 HoC 1814W Animal Experiments – 26.1.05 HoC 370W, 4.2.05 HoC Rural Strategy 2004: Integrated Agency – 23.3.05 HoL 1120W, 7.2.05 HoC 1260W & 21.2.05 HoC 243W WS40 Testing – 10.1.05 HoC 267W Strawberries – 21.2.05 HoC 63W Animal Research Organisations – 1.2.05 HoL WS10 Sustainable Farming and Food – 9.2.05 HoL 791 & 21.2.05 HoC 64W Animal Rights Extremism – 20.1.05 HoC 950 Animals (Scientific Procedure Licences) – 23.2.05 HoC Animal Health and Welfare 55WS & HoL WS85 Animal Health – 17.3.05 HoC 392 Botox – 20.1.05 HoC 1081W & 26.1.05 HoC 377W Animal Welfare Bill – 24.1.05 HoC 4W Economic Damage (Animal Research ) – 1.2.05 HoC 53WS Animals and Animal Products (Import & Export) (No 2) Xenotransplantation – 24.1.05 HoC 135W & 14.3.05 HoC Regulations – 1.3.05 HoL WA20 65W Antibiotics (Farms) – 22.3.05 HoC 739W Avian Flu – 3.3.05 HoC 1271W, 8.3.05 HoC 1667W, Aviation 18.3.05 HoC 488W, 23.3.05 HoL 240, 23.3.05 HoC Aircraft Pollution – 14.3.05 HoC 1W 837W, 4.4.05 HoC 1082W & 5.4.05 HoC 1351W Aviation Emissions Tax – 10.2.05 HoC 1699W Importation of Bird Feathers – 21.3.05 HoL WA15 & 5.4.05 HoL WA104 European Aviation Safety Agency – 1.3.05 HoC 1024W Bee Disease – 10.1.05 HoC 161W Jet Lag – 24.1.05 HoL WA142 Bird Control – 10.3.05 HoC 1939W Chicken Welfare – 25.1.05 HoC 208W Biodiversity and Conservation Commission Veterinary Experts – 1.2.05 HoC 769W Avian Biodiversity – 10.2.05 HoC 1652W Exercise Hornbeam – 13.1.05 HoC 650W Badgers – 11.1.05 HoL WA56 & 5.4.05 HoL WA105 Farm Animal Welfare Council – 23.3.05 HoC 837W Biodiversity – 8.2.05 HoC 1361W & 7.3.05 HoC 1500W Food Safety (Imports) – 10.3.05 HoC 1931W Bird Population – 19.1.05 HoC 933W Foodstuff Importation – 10.3.05 HoC 1933W Bogs – 24.1.05 HoC 5W Foot and Mouth – 21.2.05 HoC 56W, 3.3.05 HoC 1296W Coral Reefs – 10.2.05 HoC 1650W & 16.3.05 HoC 255W Cormorants – 25.1.05 HoC 209W & 9.3.05 HoC 1811W Growth Antibiotics – 26.1.05 HoC 339W & 27.1.05 HoC Deer – 3.3.05 HoC 1281W 454W EU Directives – 19.1.05 HoC 942W Illegal Meat Imports – 17.3.05 HoC 401 Exmoor: Red Deer – 17.1.05 HoL WA94 Imported Meat – 13.1.05 HoC 651W Feral Animals – 12.1.05 HoC 524W Institute for Animal Health – 4.3.05 HoC 1437W Free Trade – 2.3.05 HoC 1170W

Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 2 Whit 2005 39 Fur – 24.1.05 HoC 40W TB (Badgers) – 4.2.05 HoC 1131W & 5.4.05 HoC 1368W Marine Conservation – 10.2.05 HoC 1651W TB Tests – 5.4.05 HoC 1369W Pest Bird Species – 14.3.05 HoL WA121 Protected Birds – 2.3.05 HoC 1172W & 24.3.05 HoC BSE and CJD 932W Beef on the Bone – 17.3.05 HoC 385 Raptors – 6.4.05 HoC 1531W BSE – 19.1.05 HoC 934W, 1.3.05 HoC 1030W & 2.3.05 Red Squirrels – 1.3.05 HoL WA19 HoC 1155W Squirrels – 10.1.05 HoL WA18 & 13.1.05 HoL WA80 Northern Ireland – 4.4.05 HoC 1289W SSSIs – 27.1.05 HoC 458W Testing: Meat Hygiene Service – 3.3.05 HoL WA45 Wild Birds – 10.2.05 HoC 1642 Scrapie – 13.1.05 HoC 652W Wildlife Conservation (West Midlands) – 13.1.05 HoC Variant CJD – 10.2.05 HoC 1697W, 8.3.05 HoC 1743W & 644W 14.3.05 HoC 140W World Conservation Monitoring Centre – 17.1.05 HoC 730W Chemicals Biological and Chemical Weapons Chemical Labelling – 21.2.05 HoC 403W Chemicals (EU Authorisation) – 18.3.05 HoC 491W Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention – 26.1.05 HoC DEHP Platiciser – 4.3.05 HoC 1465W 424W & 21.2.05 HoL WA159 Health and Safety Executive – 24.1.05 HoL WA140 Chemical Protection Programme – 22.3.05 HoL WS19 OP Pesticides – 18.1.05 HoC 848W Chemical Weapons Convention – 21.3.05 HoC 37WS Organophosphates – 9.3.05 HoL 732 Stockpiles: Destruction – 21.2.05 HoL WA159 Pesticide Incidents Appraisal Panel – 22.2.05 HoL WA191 Government Decontamination Service – 25.1.05 HoC 9WS Pesticides – 17.1.05 HoC 726W & 19.1.05 HoL WA117 Porton Down – 4.4.05 HoC 1234W Pesticides Safety Directive Study – 4.2.05 HoL WA68 & Biotechnology 24.2.05 HoL WA233 REACH Directive – 12.1.05 HoC 579W & 21.2.05 HoC Agriculture, Environment and Biotechnology Commission 60W – 31.1.05 HoC 573W Sheep Dips – Organophosphates – 21.3.05 HoL WA14 Genetically Modified Organisms – 25.1.05 HoC 210W Warfarin – 19.1.05 HoL WA116 GM Crops – 3.2.05 HoC 1024W, 21.2.05 HoL WA147, Weed Killers – 10.1.05 HoC 184W 2.3.05 HoC 1171W, 7.3.05 HoC 1501W & 7.4.05 HoC 1663W GM Foods – 9.3.05 HoC 1812W Climate Change GM Maize – 9.3.05 HoC 1813W Africa – 4.4.05 HoC 1197W GM Products – 20.1.05 HoC 1046W Air Pollution – 3.3.05 HoC 1271W Stem Cell Research – 2.2.05 HoL WA50 Carbon Capture – 3.2.05 HoC 1044W & 23.2.05 HoL Stem Cells – 7.2.05 HoC 1342W 1214 Carbon Dioxide Emissions – 10.1.05 HoC 162W, 18.1.05 Bovine Tuberculosis HoC 843W, 25.1.05 HoC 208W, 9.2.05 HoC 1498W, Badger Culling – 5.4.05 HoC 1352W 10.2.05 HoC 1653W & 6.4.05 HoC 1527W Badgers – 10.1.05 HoL WA16, 9.2.05 HoL WA123 & National Allocation Plan – 24.3.05 HoC 926W 1.3.05 HoL WA16 Climate Change – 31.1.05 HoC 575W, 1.2.05 HoL WA33, And Bovine Tuberculosis – 7.2.05 HoL WA91 & 3.2.05 HoC 1019W, 10.2.05 HoC 1638 & HoC 1654W, 21.3.05 HoL WA13 23.2.05 HoC 633W, 28.2.05 HoL 7, 1.3.05 HoC 1031W, Bovine TB – 26.1.05 HoC 336W, 31.1.05 HoC 575W, 3.3.05 HoC 1275W, 4.3.05 HoC 1434W, 17.3.05 HoC 395 7.2.05 HoC 1207W, 8.2.05 HoC 1362W, 9.2.05 HoC & 399 & 18.3.05 HoC 491W 1495W, 10.2.05 HoC 1651W, 21.2.05 HoC 45W, 1.3.05 And the Environment – debate – 8.2.05 HoC 1353 HoC 1029W, 2.3.05 HoC 1155W, 3.3.05 HoC 1274W, Conference – 10.1.05 HoC 163W 4.3.05 HoC 1432W, 10.3.05 HoC 1926W & 5.4.05 HoC * EUC Report – debate – 23.2.05 HoL 1293 1353W Targets – 13.1.05 HoC 643W Bovine Tuberculosis – 26.1.05 HoL 1259, 15.3.05 HoL Climate Impacts Programme – 18.1.05 HoC 844W WA128, 18.3.05 HoC 489W, 4.4.05 HoL WA84 & 5.4.05 Coal Mines – 25.1.05 HoC 249W HoL WA105 Emissions Trading Scheme – 26.1.05 HoC 337W, 27.1.05 Compensation – 21.2.05 HoL WA180 HoC 452W & 3.2.05 HoC 1022W Debate – 23.3.05 HoL GC126 Environment – 10.3.05 HoC 1669 ISG – 7.2.05 HoL WA90 Environmental Schemes – 24.1.05 HoC 8W M Bovis Infection – 1.3.05 HoC 1042W & 4.3.05 HoC Global Dimming – 26.1.05 HoC 338W 1438W Global Warming – 7.3.05 HoC 1500W Sustainable Control of Bovine Tuberculosis – 1.3.05 HoC * And Climate Change – adjournment debate – 18.1.05 79WS HoC 191WH

40 Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 2 Whit 2005 Greenhouse Gases – 2.3.05 HoC 1171W, 3.3.05 HoC European Security Research Advisory Board – 31.1.05 HoC 1298W, 9.3.05 HoC 1813W & 10.3.05 HoC 1945W 729W Greenhouse Gas Emissions – 1.2.05 HoL WA33 & 7.4.05 FRES – 2.3.05 HoC 1231W HoL 882 Future Aircraft Carrier – 8.2.05 HoC 74WS Targets – 10.2.05 HoC 1651 Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft – 24.1.05 HoC 50W & Kyoto Commitments – 18.1.05 HoC 847W 1.3.05 HoL WS10 Protocol – 13.1.05 HoC 426 Helicopters – 24.3.05 HoL WS46 Methane Emissions – 7.2.05 HoC 1212W National Defence Industries Council – 4.4.05 HoC 1111W Ocean Temperatures: Methyl Hydrates – 26.1.05 HoL Nimrod MRA4 – 10.1.05 HoC 77W WA166 Nuclear Warheads – 21.3.05 HoC 571W Nuclear Weapons – 31.1.05 HoC 733W Construction Porton Down – 2.2.05 HoC 900W Applied Construction Research – 26.1.05 HoL WA160, Adjournment debate – 22.2.05 HoC 32WH 21.2.05 HoL WA178 & 24.3.05 HoL WA60 Radio Frequency Identification – 20.1.05 HoL WA123 Building Energy Standards – 19.1.05 HoC 993W Research Expenditure – 21.2.05 HoC 125W & 22.2.05 Building Regulations – 25.1.05 HoC 210W, 27.1.05 HoC HoC 605W 460W & 31.1.05 HoC 642W Sea King Helicopter – 6.4.05 HoC 141WS & HoL WS86 Emissions Trading (Brick Industry) – 4.3.05 HoC 1435W Skynet 5 – 21.3.05 HoC 37WS Fairclough Report – 27.1.05 HoL WA183, 21.2.05 HoL Swan Hunter – 7.4.05 HoC 1767W WA178 & 23.2.05 HoL WA209 Trident Missile – 18.1.05 HoC 29WS & HoL WS21 Renewable Energy – 23.3.05 HoC 842W Defence (Gulf War) Crime and Crime Prevention Anthrax Vaccines (Gulf Wars) – 7.2.05 HoC 1250W Biometric Data – 28.2.05 HoC 995W & 16.3.05 HoC Gulf War 1990-91: Veterans’ Mortality Data – 19.1.05 HoC 315W 36WS & 20.1.05 HoL WS31 Biometrics – 10.1.05 HoC 276W & 11.1.05 HoL WA39 Gulf War Illness – 10.1.05 HoC 73W, 19.1.05 HoL Credit/Debit Cards – 7.4.05 HoC 1794W WA108, 1.2.05 HoC 776W, 21.2.05 HoC 250W, 3.3.05 Cybercrime – 14.3.05 HoL WA1112 HoL WA38 & 7.3.05 HoC 1542W Drink Spiking – 10.1.05 HoC 293W Gulf War Syndrome – 7.2.05 HoC 1180 Fingerprinting – 19.1.05 HoC 960W Adjournment debate – 18.1.05 HoC 232WH Forensic Medical Examiners – 18.3.05 HoC 513W Forensic Science Service – 11.1.05 HoL WS11 & 1.3.05 Education HoC 1109W Academic Medicine – 20.1.05 HoL 875 Fraud – 24.1.05 HoC 115W Advance Level Qualifications (Examinations) – 3.2.05 HoC Identity Cards – 24.1.05 HoC 115W, 31.1.05 HoC 693W 1040W & 9.2.05 HoC 1523W A-levels – 27.1.05 HoC 499W Identity Cards and Passports – 26.1.05 HoC 385W, 3.2.05 * Apprenticeships – 27.1.05 HoC 499W, 3.2.05 HoC 1040W HoC 1009W & 7.2.05 HoC 1267W & 3.3.05 HoC 1097 Identity Fraud – 10.1.05 HoC 307W & 11.1.05 HoC 483W Creationism: Teaching in Schools – 31.1.05 HoL 3 Internet Fraud – 1.3.05 HoL WA11 Doctorates – 25.2.05 HoC 866W Internet Shopping – 25.1.05 HoC 220W Dyslexia – 24.3.05 HoC 1002W On-line Shopping Fraud – 24.1.05 HoC 120W & 31.1.05 Education: Tomlinson Report – 16.3.05 HoL 1335 HoC 625W Educational Psychologists – 1.2.05 HoC 52WS & HoL Research Documents – Home Office – 17.3.05 HoC 402W WS9 Taser Guns – 1.3.05 HoC 1116W & 22.3.05 HoC 60WS Engineering (Women Students) – 23.3.05 HoC 850W E-university – 17.3.05 HoC 447W Defence Europass Initiative – 27.1.05 HoC 502W Aerospace Industry – 17.3.05 HoC 410W Exeter University – 10.1.05 HoC 193W Aircraft – 24.2.05 HoC 801W Knowledge Transfer: Funding – 1.2.05 HoL 96 Anti-armour Weapons – 12.1.05 HoC 572W Mathematics Teaching – 24.3.05 HoC 991 BAE – 24.2.05 HoC 802W Debate – 19.1.05 HoL 781 Cluster Munitions – 26.1.05 HoC 332W Maths and Science – 3.3.05 HoC 1350W Defence – debate – 17.1.05 HoL 541 Medical Education for Students – 10.2.05 HoL WA36 Equipment Projects – 14.3.05 HoC 38W Schools – 22.3.05 HoC 690W & 23.3.05 HoC 856W Industrial Policy – 10.1.05 HoC 63W Students – 27.1.05 HoC 504W Procurement: EU Standards – 21.3.05 HoL WA6 NHS University – 18.1.05 HoL 639 & 24.1.05 HoC 183W Science – 7.4.05 HoC 1733W Nuclear Energy Degrees – 8.2.05 HoC 1387W Depleted Uranium – 22.3.05 HoC 781W Out-of-classroom Learning – 24.1.05 HoC 83W Eurofighter Programme – debate – 13.1.05 HoL 397 Oxford University – 27.1.05 HoL 1392

Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 2 Whit 2005 41 Schools: Teaching of Intelligent Design – 21.2.05 HoL Energy (Renewables) WA173 Biofuels – 3.3.05 HoC 1273W, 4.3.05 HoC 1431W & Science Colleges – 7.2.05 HoC 1237W 16.3.05 HoC 256W Museum – 17.3.05 HoC 375W Biomass – 10.2.05 HoC 1786W Teaching – 10.1.05 HoC 199W Power Plants – 14.3.05 HoC 67W Skills White Paper – statement – 22.3.05 HoC 731 Clear Skies Initiative – 3.3.05 HoC 1092 Students – 31.1.05 HoC 672W Energy – 4.4.05 HoC 1217W Synthetic Phonics – 4.4.05 HoC 1158W Policy – 2.2.05 HoC 929W Teacher Training – 10.3.05 HoL 840 Offshore Wind – 25.2.05 HoC 888W UKeU – 7.3.05 HoL WA66 Photovoltaics – 18.3.05 HoC 481W University for Industry – 8.3.05 HoL WA76 Cells/Energy – 7.4.05 HoC 1632W Universities (Funding) – 16.3.05 HoC 309W Major Demonstration Programme – 1.3.05 HoC Projected Income – 21.3.05 HoC 567W 1134W Science and Engineering – 10.1.05 HoL WA9 Renewable Energy – 7.2.05 HoC 1264W, 15.3.05 HoC Veterinary Profession – 31.1.05 HoC 580W 128, 17.3.05 HoC 419W, 22.3.05 HoC 677W & 24.3.05 Veterinary Students – 31.1.05 HoC 674W HoC 920W Government Response to SCST Report – 18.1.05 HoL 647 Manufacturing Industry – 3.3.05 HoC 1302W Energy Renewables – 25.2.05 HoC 888W, 18.3.05 HoC 482W & Carbon Capture – 7.2.05 HoC 1310W 7.4.05 HoC 1635W Dioxide Reduction – 25.2.05 HoC 881W Obligation Order 2005 – 9.3.05 HoL 823 Sequestration – 31.1.05 HoC 621W Solar Photovoltaics – 1.3.05 HoC 1135W, 8.3.05 HoC Coal Industry – adjournment debate – 9.3.05 HoC 1713W, 14.3.05 HoC 154W, 22.3.05 HoC 678W, 4.4.05 443WH HoC 1221W & 7.4.05 HoC 1637W Combined Heat and Power – 17.1.05 HoL 533 Solar Power – 14.3.05 HoC 76W Deep Coal Industry – 3.3.05 HoC 1085 Tidal Power – 15.3.05 HoC 229W Electricity Supply – debate – 19.1.05 HoL 818 Wave Energy – 24.3.05 HoL 353 Energy – 3.2.05 HoC 1045W Wave Power – 27.1.05 HoC 533W Consumption (TVs) – 12.1.05 HoC 523W & 3.3.05 Wind Farms – 27.1.05 HoC 533W, 2.2.05 HoC 931W, HoL WA45 8.2.05 HoC 1332 & 4.4.05 HoC 1222W Crops Scheme – 31.1.05 HoC 576W Wind Power – 26.1.05 HoL 1257, 10.2.05 HoC 1802W & From Waste – 4.3.05 HoC 1435W 7.4.05 HoC 1642W Policy – 8.2.05 HoC 1333 & 7.4.05 HoC 1619W Wind Turbines – 21.2.05 HoC 247W, 25.2.05 HoC 891W Security – 23.2.05 HoL WA209 & 4.3.05 HoC 1418W Supply (Security) – 3.3.05 HoC 1303W Fuel Oil – 26.1.05 HoL WA160 Environmental Pollution Gas – 10.2.05 HoC 1792W & 25.2.05 HoC 884W Air Pollution – 10.3.05 HoC 1922W Integrated Energy Policy – adjournment debate – Dangerous Cargoes – 8.3.05 HoC 1629W 19.1.05 HoC 243WH Nitrogen – 7.2.05 HoC 1215W * Generation IV Nuclear Reactors – 14.3.05 HoC 74W Oil Contamination – 24.1.05 HoC 13W Hydrogen Economy – 31.1.05 HoC 624W & 14.3.05 HoC Pollution (Ships) – 14.3.05 HoC 2W 75W Soil Guideline Values Task Force – 14.3.05 HoC 8W Fuel – 25.2.05 HoC 884W & 1.3.05 HoC 1133W Toxic Waste – 10.2.05 HoC 1645 Fuel Cell Projects – 25.2.05 HoC 886W International Conference on Nuclear Power – 4.4.05 HoC Environment Protection 1218W Air Quality – 21.2.05 HoC 187W Liquid Biofuels – 4.2.05 HoL WA70 Antlantic Biogeographical Region – 1.2.05 HoC 768W North Sea Oil – 4.4.05 HoC 1220W Areas of Special Protection – 3.3.05 HoL WA47 Nuclear Generation – 10.1.05 HoL WA15 & 4.4.05 HoL Beaches: SSSI Status – 21.3.05 HoL WA12 474 Coral Reefs – 25.1.05 HoC 209W Power – 27.1.05 HoC 444 & 23.2.05 HoC 648W Darwin Mounds – 20.1.05 HoC 1043W Power Stations – 23.2.05 HoL WA210, 24.2.05 HoL Earth Observation Summit – 28.2.05 HoC 925W WA231 & 15.3.05 HoL WA128 Emergency Warning System – 11.1.05 HoL 134 Offshore Petroleum Licensing – 10.3.05 HoC 126WS English Nature – 26.1.05 HoL WA166 Oil and Gas Exploration – 21.2.05 HoC 246W Environmental Crime – debate – 13.1.05 HoC 145WH Licensing – 10.3.05 HoL WS42 EU Directives – 25.1.05 HoC 305W Production – 28.2.05 HoC 954W Protection – 23.2.05 HoC 634W Oil Extraction (Third World) – 22.3.05 HoC 635W Standards – 22.3.05 HoC 639W

42 Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 2 Whit 2005 EU LIFE Directive – 10.3.05 HoC 1943W Fish Quotas – 7.2.05 HoC 1210W, 10.2.05 HoC 1661W Flood Prevention – 27.1.05 HoC 453W & 17.3.05 HoC 360W Forestry Commission – adjournment debate – 23.2.05 Fish Stocks: Azores – 8.3.05 HoL WA79 HoC 128WH Fisheries – 10.1.05 HoC 170W, 13.1.05 HoC 650W, 1.2.05 Harmful Cargoes – 10.3.05 HoC 1936W & 21.3.05 HoC HoC 772W, 17.3.05 HoC 359W, 21.3.05 HoC 540W, 541W 22.3.05 HoC 639W, 5.4.05 HoC 1358W & 7.4.05 HoC Hydrometeorological Disaster – 10.1.04 HoC 173W 1661W Land Degradation – 1.3.05 HoC 1041W Fishing Industry – 17.3.05 HoC 386 Marine Conservation (North Sea) – 10.1.05 HoC 175W Lobsters – 7.4.05 HoC 1668W Environment – 13.1.05 HoC 417 & 16.3.05 HoC Lough Erne (Fish Stocks) – 5.4.05 HoC 1420W 258W Pair Trawling – 11.1.05 HoC 466W Protection – 3.3.05 HoC 1299W Salmon – 5.4.05 HoL WA102 Meteorological Office – 20.1.05 HoC 1078W Salmon Fishing – 23.3.05 HoL WA43 & 4.4.05 HoL WA85 New Environmental Technologies – 21.3.05 HoC 525W Sea Trout Fishing – 10.3.05 HoC 2007W New Rural Agency – 16.3.05 HoC 258W Shellfish and Whitefish – 14.3.05 HoC 114W Oil Contamination – 31.1.05 HoC 579W UK Fishing Industry – 3.3.05 HoC 1300W Peat-free Soil Improvers – 1.2.05 HoC 774W Salt Marshes (Lymington) – 1.3.05 HoC 1044W Food Seamounds – 11.1.05 HoC 466W Allergies – 25.1.05 HoC 318W Single-hulled Tankers – 24.1.05 HoC 35W & 26.1.05 HoC Diet (Educational Attainment) – 24.3.05 HoC 997W 350W Dioxins and PCBs – 2.2.05 HoC 987W Soil – 3.3.05 HoC 1300W Experimental Crops – 9.2.05 HoC 1616W Solent European Marine Site – 16.3.05 HoL WA138 Food Advertising – 22.3.05 HoC 715W SSSIs – 22.3.05 HoC 642W & 7.4.05 HoC 1673W Colourings – 13.1.05 HoC 607W State of UK Seas – 1.3.05 HoC 79WS Consumption – 27.1.05 HoC 551W Tidal Waves – 3.2.05 HoC 1028W Dyes – 28.2.05 HoC 980W Tree Planting – 1.2.05 HoC 774W Hygiene Regulations – 22.3.05 HoC 746W Tree Protection – adjournment debate – 8.2.05 HoC 1474 Labelling – 11.1.05 HoC 513W, 4.3.05 HoC 1468W, Trees – 10.1.05 HoL WA8 18.3.05 HoC 513W & 5.4.05 HoC 1442W London – 21.3.05 HoC 582W Miles – 19.1.05 HoC 943W & 4.4.05 HoC 1086W UN Environment Programme – 2.3.05 HoC 1173W Poisoning – 22.3.05 HoC 746W Wind Farms – 10.3.05 HoC 1938W Provision – 5.4.05 HoC 1341W Woodland Grant Scheme – 7.2.05 HoC 1216W Safety – 17.3.05 HoC 390 Standards Directive – 7.4.05 HoC 1704W European Union Meetings Supplements Directive – 11.1.05 HoC 514W, 4.4.05 Agriculture and Fisheries Council – 24.1.05 HoC 1W, HoC 1095W & 7.4.05 HoC 1704W 25.1.05 HoC 207W, 31.1.05 HoC 572W, 15.3.05 HoC Debate – 25.1.05 HoC 222 168W & 22.3.05 HoC 636W Regulations – 7.2.05 HoC 1331W Competitiveness Council – 14.3.05 HoC 68W Healthy Eating – 14.3.05 HoC 128W & 22.3.05 HoC Education, Youth and Culture Council – 26.1.05 HoC 754W 357W, 1.2.05 HoC 804W & 25.2.05 HoC 867W Schools – 31.1.05 HoC 748W Illegal Meat – 12.1.05 HoC 529W Employment and Social Policy, Health and Consumer Imported Foodstuffs – 31.1.05 HoC 749W Affairs Council – 11.1.05 HoC 462W Meat Hygiene – 14.3.05 HoC 130W Energy Council – 14.3.05 HoC 71W Hygiene Service – 7.4.05 HoC 1707W Environment Council – 17.1.05 HoC 722W, 31.1.05 HoC Imports – 7.3.05 HoC 1567W 576W & 22.3.05 HoC 637W Nutrition Training – 4.4.05 HoC 1155W European Council – statement – 24.3.05 HoC 1013 & Psilocin – 24.1.05 HoC 130W HoL 399 Salt – 11.1.05 HoC 519W, 13.1.05 HoC 612W, 8.2.05 Justice and Home Affairs Council – 27.1.05 HoC 475W & HoC 1475W, 21.2.05 HoC 180W & 4.4.05 HoC 1100W 1.3.05 HoC 1111W Consumption – 9.2.05 HoC 1540W Dietary Advice – 10.3.05 HoL WA92 Fisheries School Meals – 20.1.05 HoC 949, 1.2.05 HoC 807W, Bass – 10.1.05 HoC 160W 24.2.05 HoC 752W, 15.3.05 HoC 170W, 5.4.05 HoC Trawler Fishing – 10.1.05 HoC 160W 1347W & 7.4.05 HoC 1594W Cetaceans – 18.3.05 HoC 490W Sudan 1 – 28.2.05 HoC 74WS & HoL WS6, 8.3.05 HoC Cormorants – 21.3.05 HoC 537W & 3.3.05 HoC 1277W 1740W, 10.3.05 HoC 1938W & 1984W & 14.3.05 HoC EU Fisheries – 31.1.05 HoC 577W & 2.3.05 HoC 1162W 138W Council – 11.1.05 HoC 147 Supermarket Meat (Salt) – 18.1.05 HoC 879W

Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 2 Whit 2005 43 Supplements – 21.2.05 HoC 182W Genetics and Insurance – 14.3.05 HoC 4WS & HoL WS54 Trans Fats – 25.1.05 HoC 229W, 31.1.05 HoC 757W & Health Screening – 12.1.05 HoL 247 8.2.05 HoC 1476W Human Eggs – 23.3.05 HoC 902W Infectious Diseases (UK Entrants) – 15.3.05 HoC 199W Health (Cancer) Influenza – 27.1.05 HoC 511W Air Pollution – 24.1.05 HoC 3W Pandemic – 22.3.05 HoC 759W & 4.4.05 HoC 1097W Breast Cancer – 7.2.05 HoC 1240W Insect-borne Diseases – 10.3.05 HoC 1978W Cancer – 2.2.05 HoC 905W & 984W, 4.2.05 HoC 1181W, IVF – 5.4.05 HoC 1444W 22.3.05 HoC 739W & 4.4.05 HoC 1168W Kidney Disease – 23.2.05 HoL WA216 & 23.3.05 HoC Deaths – 16.3.05 HoC 200W 821W Drugs – 4.4.05 HoC 120WS MRSA – 6.4.05 HoL WA123 Research – 8.2.05 HoC 1468W & 9.2.05 HoC 1611W NICE – 4.4.05 HoL WA83 Specialists – 21.2.05 HoC 132W NICE Infertility Guidelines – adjournment debate – Treatment (Children) – 27.1.05 HoC 545W 26.1.05 HoC 96WH Cervical Cancer – 22.2.05 HoC 491W Obesity – 31.1.05 HoC 753W, 23.2.05 HoC 696W & Childhood Cancer – 9.2.05 HoC 1613W 23.3.05 HoC 912W Draper Report – 10.2.05 HoC 1690W Adjournment debate – 10.2.05 HoC 487WH Heat-related Illnesses – 8.3.05 HoC 1733W Young People – adjournment debate – 25.1.05 HoC Multiple Myeloma – 21.2.05 HoC 167W & 22.2.05 HoC 30WH 502W Salt – 3.2.05 HoC 1123W NICE: Cancer Drugs – 4.4.05 HoL WS76 Schizophrenia (Cannabis Use) – 4.4.05 HoC 1100W Ovarian Cancer – 11.1.05 HoC 444W & 517W, 17.1.05 Tuberculosis – 5.4.05 HoL WA102 Tuberculosis/Hepatitis C – 10.1.05 HoC 261W HoC 711W, 20.1.05 HoC 1119W & 24.1.05 HoC 184W UN Security Council and WHO: Infectious Disease – Prostate Cancer – 12.1.05 HoC 530W, 18.1.05 HoC 877W, 23.2.05 HoL WA200 19.1.05 HoC 987W, 20.1.05 HoC 1123W & 24.1.05 HoC Wolfson Molecular Imaging Centre – 10.1.05 HoL WA10 188W PSA Levels – 10.1.05 HoC 258W Health (International Development) Skin Cancer – 8.3.05 HoC 1740W AIDS Vaccine – 19.1.05 HoC 981W Sun – 1.3.05 HoC 1088W & 8.3.05 HoC 1742W Avian Influenza – 9.3.05 HoC 1802W * Sunlight Exposure – 3.3.05 HoC 1374W Drug Treatments – 10.3.05 HoC 1955W Global Alliance for Vaccination and Immunisation – 2.2.05 Health (General) HoC 916W Alcohol – 19.1.05 HoL WA102 Health Investment – 1.2.05 HoC 791W Allergy Services – 15.3.05 HoC 237W HIV Treatment – 1.2.05 HoC 792W Asthma – 11.1.05 HoC 503W HIV/AIDS – 21.2.05 HoC 379W & 21.3.05 HoC 529W Asylum Seekers: HIV and TB Tests – 5.4.05 HoL 563 Africa – adjournment debate – 5.4.05 HoC 1390 Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder – 17.1.05 HoC Debate – 4.2.05 HoL 513 793W & 23.3.05 HoL WA46 Malaria Vaccines – 1.3.05 HoC 1061W & 1066W Autism – 11.1.05 HoC 504W Microbicide Development Programme – 17.3.05 HoC Avian Flu – 8.2.05 HoC 1467W, 10.3.05 HoC 1975W & 377W, 5.4.05 HoC 131WS & HoL WS81 14.3.05 HoC 122W Tuberculosis – 7.4.05 HoC 1565W Childhood Anaemia – adjournment debate – 27.1.05 HoC Vaccinations (Developing World) – 9.3.05 HoC 1801W 543 Children: Obesity – 31.1.05 HoL WA11 Health (Service) Children’s Weight – 4.3.05 HoC 1462W Allergy Services – 11.1.05 HoC 11WS & HoL WS15 Chlamydia Screening – 13.1.05 HoC 602W Avian Flu – 13.1.05 HoL 358 Cholesterol and Disease Prevention – adjournment debate Chlamydia Screening Programme – 25.1.05 HoC 301W – 15.3.05 HoC 227 Clinical Guidelines – 10.1.05 HoC96W Climate Change – 4.4.05 HoC 1094W Drug Treatment (Appraisals) – 6.4.05 HoC 1550W Clostridium Difficile – 6.4.05 HoC 1545W Electronic Referral Scheme – 4.4.05 HoC 1240W Complementary/Alternative Medicine – 22.2.05 HoC 146 Health Care-associated Infection – 20.1.05 HoC 1115W, & 7.3.05 HoC 1561W 26.1.05 HoC 413W, 27.1.05 HoC 553W & 10.2.05 HoL Crohn’s Disease – 5.4.05 HoC 1435W WA140 Deep Vein Thrombosis – 22.3.05 HoC 742W Healthy Eating (Hospitals) – 21.2.05 HoC 160W Dermatology – 6.4.05 HoC 1548W Hospital-acquired Infections – 10.1.05 HoC 249W, 12.1.05 Diabetes – 17.3.05 HoC 431W HoC 529W & 563W, 27.1.05 HoC 553W, 22.2.05 HoC Down’s Syndrome – 19.1.05 HoC 1029W & 8.3.05 HoC 496W, 9.3.05 HoC 1909W, 4.4.05 HoC 1097W & 7.4.05 1730W HoC 1706W Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy – 4.4.05 HoC 1239W Debate – 2.3.05 HoC 1032

44 Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 2 Whit 2005 Hospital Food – 13.1.05 HoC 607W Information Technology Infection Control – 12.1.05 HoC 530W, 31.1.05 HoC Computer Malware – 6.4.05 HoL WA122 749W & 5.4.05 HoC 1420W Data Protection Scams – 3.3.05 HoC 1089 IT Projects – 17.3.05 HoC 432W & 21.3.05 HoC 621W Identity Cards – 18.1.05 HoC 896W IT Strategy – 24.1.05 HoC 172W Public Sector IT Projects – 21.2.05 HoC 191W Medical Graduates – 15.3.05 HoL 1204 Spyware – 10.1.05 HoL WA15 Medical Students – 31.1.05 HoC 750W MRI Scanning – 1.2.05 HoC 886W Intellectual Property MRSA – 10.1.05 HoC 105W, 13.1.05 HoC 608W, 20.1.05 EU Software Patents Directive – 31.1.05 HoL WA25 & HoC 1117W, 24.1.05 HoC 160W, 25.1.05 HoC 325W, 4.2.05 HoC 1197W 2.2.05 HoC 992W, 4.2.05 HoC 1204W, 7.2.05 HoL 537, Intellectual Property (Germany) – 14.3.05 HoC 28W 8.2.05 HoC 1472W, 9.2.05 HoC 1623W, 21.2.05 HoC Patent Office – 22.3.05 HoC 63WS & 7.4.05 HoC 1632W 317W & HoL WA179, 22.2.05 HoC 501W, 24.2.05 HoC Key Performance Targets 2005-06 – 23.3.05 HoL 792W, 28.2.05 HoC 986W, 8.3.05 HoC 1737W, 10.3.05 WS30 HoC 1979W & HoL WA91, 22.3.05 HoC 762W, 24.3.05 Software Patents – 3.3.05 HoC 1096 HoC 1062W, 4.4.05 HoL WA84, 5.4.05 HoC 1421W & World Intellectual Property Organisation – 4.4.05 HoC 1450W 1223W National Health Service – adjournment debate – 8.2.05 HoC 380WH National Programme for IT – 18.1.05 HoC 685 & 23.3.05 International Development HoC 905W Commission for Africa – statement – 14.3.05 HoC 21 NHS IT – 9.2.05 HoC 1624W * International Development Policy (Science) – adjournment NHS University – 8.3.05 HoC 1739W debate – 17.3.05 HoC 143WH Courses – 22.2.05 HoC 504W The UK and Africa – adjournment debate – 24.3.05 HoC NHS: Education and Training – 24.3.05 HoL WA68 321WH Radiography – 1.2.05 HoC 890W Surgical Instruments – 21.3.05 HoC 625W Medicines and Drugs UVFGI Technology – 10.1.05 HoC 109W Adverse Drug Reactions – 26.1.05 HoC 409W & 27.1.05 HoC 542W Health (Vaccination) Alzheimer’s Disease – 31.1.05 HoC 740W, 21.2.05 HoC 131W, 8.3.05 HoC 1651W, 9.3.05 HoC 1877W, 15.3.05 Aids Vaccine – 31.1.05 HoL WA1 HoC 238W, 23.3.05 HoC 895W, 24.3.05 HoC 1043W & Asian Bird Influenza – 8.3.05 HoC 1726W 6.4.05 HoC 1544W Childhood Vaccines – 10.2.05 HoC 1686W Adjournment debate – 16.3.05 HoC 93WH DPT Vaccine – 25.1.05 HoC 320W NICE Guidance – 10.3.05 HoL 842 Flu/Pneumonia Vaccines – 20.1.05 HoC 1115W Antibiotics – 31.1.05 HoC 741W Hepatitis B Vaccine – 22.3.05 HoC 754W Antidepressants – 18.1.05 HoC 872W & 23.2.05 HoC Influenza – 25.1.05 HoC 306W, 1.3.05 HoC 1080W & 679W 3.3.05 HoC 1368W Antiviral Drugs – 10.2.05 HoC 1686W Pandemic Plan – 7.4.05 HoC 1707W Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder – 17.3.05 HoL MMR Vaccines – 10.2.05 HoL WA139 WA148 MRSA – 27.1.05 HoC 556W Bird Influenza – 14.3.05 HoL WA120 Paluvizumab – 22.3.05 HoC 765W Botox – 9.3.05 HoC 1901W Premature Babies – 22.2.05 HoC 505W Cannabis Spray – 11.1.05 HoC 505W Prevenar – 10.2.05 HoC 1694W Clinical Trials – 4.4.05 HoL WA80 Respiratory Syncytial Virus – 22.2.05 HoC 506W & 2.3.05 Co-Proxamol – 22.2.05 HoC 492W & 2.3.05 HoC 1221W HoC 1226W Counterfeit Medicines – 10.1.05 HoC 285W Smallpox Vaccine – 17.1.05 HoC 799W COX-2 Inhibitors – 4.4.05 HoC 1238W Vaccines: Measles, Mumps and Rubella – 10.1.05 HoL Dementia – 22.3.05 HoC 733W WA12 Dermatology – 25.1.05 HoC 320W Diamorphine – 3.2.05 HoC 1117W & 23.2.05 HoC 683W Industry Distalgesic and Co-proxamol Prescriptions – 7.3.05 HoC End-of-Life Vehicles Regulations – 22.3.05 HoL WA25 1565W Engineering (West Midlands) – 3.3.05 HoC 1093 Dothiepin Deaths – 14.3.05 HoC 80W Manufacturing – 3.3.05 HoC 1083 Drug Prices – 23.3.05 HoC 899W Research and Development – 19.1.05 HoC 987W Reactions – 4.4.05 HoC 1239W Stachybotrys Chartarum – 20.1.05 HoC 1065W Enbrel – 22.2.05 HoC 495W Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment – 13.1.05 HoC European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products 418 – 21.3.05 HoC 618W

Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 2 Whit 2005 45 Fluoride – 23.2.05 HoC 684W Nuclear Waste – 26.1.05 HoC 340W, 1.3.05 HoC 1134W, Herbal Medicinal Products – 22.3.05 HoC 755W 4.3.05 HoC 1417W, 14.3.05 HoC 75W, 22.3.05 HoC Hospital Infections – 25.1.05 HoC 324W 641W & 7.4.05 HoC 1631W Imported Medicine – 4.3.05 HoC 1469W Plutonium – 24.3.05 HoC 981W Influenza Pandemic Plan – 24.3.05 HoC 1055W Project ISOLUS – 9.2.05 HoC 79WS Insulin – 7.2.05 HoC 1335W Radiation Exposure – 11.1.05 HoC 377W Isotretinoin – 22.3.05 HoC 760W Radiation Risks – 18.3.05 HoC 495W & 9.3.05 HoC Medical Drug Deaths – 14.3.05 HoC 84W 1915W Medication (Adverse Reactions) – 12.1.05 HoC 563W Radioactive Emissions – 3.3.05 HoC 1306W Medicines (Licensing)/Regulation – 24.1.05 HoC 173W Radioactive Sources – 6.4.05 HoC 1531W Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency – Radioactive Waste – 9.2.05 HoC 1500W & 18.3.05 HoC 5.4.05 HoC 1444W 495W Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trials) Regulations – Management – 28.2.05 HoL 9 & 7.4.05 HoL WA151 18.1.05 HoC 31WS & HoL WS24 S&T Report – 12.1.05 HoL 323 Methotrexate – 5.4.05 HoC 1421W Radon Gas – 13.1.05 HoC 657W MRSA – 18.3.05 HoC 518W Submarines: Decommissioning – 9.2.05 HoL WS34 Multiple Sclerosis – 20.1.05 HoC 1118W Aimspro – 10.1.05 HoL WA12 Naltrexone – 2.3.05 HoC 1225W Science and Engineering Policy Nevirapine – 23.2.05 HoC 693W & 22.3.05 HoC 763W Agriculture and Environment Biotechnology Committee – NICE Guidance – 24.3.05 HoC 1065W 18.1.05 HoC 842W Pharmaceutical Companies – 7.4.05 HoC 1714W Community Plant Variety Office – 10.2.05 HoC 1656W Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme – 24.3.05 HoC Development Science – 4.2.05 HoC 1179W 89WS & HoL WS50 Dobson Photospectrerra Data – 18.1.05 HoC 845W Pharmaceutical Products – 24.3.05 HoC 1068W Engineers Without Borders – 1.2.05 HoC 790W & 10.2.05 Psoriasis – 5.4.05 HoC 1456W HoC 1636W Roaccutane – 21.2.05 HoC 179W Government Departments: Scientists and Engineers – Safety of Medicines – 3.2.05 HoC 1122W & 22.3.05 24.3.05 HoL WA63 HoC 726 Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority: Research Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors – 10.1.05 HoC Applications – 9.2.05 HoL WA122 107W, 12.1.05 HoC 531W & 24.3.05 HoC 1073W IVF – 24.3.05 HoC 1056W Seroxat – 21.2.05 HoC 181W Medical Research: Ethical Approval Costs – 4.2.05 HoL SSRI Review Group – 9.3.05 HoC 1915W WA74 Statins – 10.1.05 HoC 108W Meteorological Office – 19.1.05 HoC 952W Tea Tree Oil – 7.4.05 HoC 1717W Nanoscience and Nanotechnologies – 28.2.05 HoL WS1 & Traditional Herb Medicines Products Directive – 24.3.05 HoC 70WS HoC 1076W NESTA – 1.2.05 HoC 788W Tricyclics – 8.2.05 HoC 1476W Parliament: Public Engagement – 9.2.05 HoL 806 Vioxx – 21.2.05 HoC 184W Public Bodies – 11.1.05 HoC 422W Nuclear and Radioactive Substances Research and Development – 26.1.05 HoC 341W, 31.1.05 Atomic Waste – 4.3.05 HoC 1431W HoC 580W, 8.2.05 HoC 1364W & 1430W & 10.2.05 BNFL – 9.2.05 HoL WS35 HoC 1744W Committee on Radioactive Waste Management – 3.3.05 DoH – 21.2.05 HoC 140W HoC 1275W DTI – 25.2.05 HoC 888W Dr Keith Baverstock – 4.4.05 HoL WA86 FCO – 9.3.05 HoC 1896W Decontamination and Radiation Service – 10.1.05 HoC Home Department – 28.2.05 HoC 1011W & 7.3.05 166W HoC 1618W Dounreay Nuclear Power Station – 14.3.05 HoC 70W Research Councils (Consultants) – 20.1.05 HoC 1092W Electromagnetic Fields – 10.1.05 HoC 140W Research Reports – 21.2.05 HoC 178W Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty – 21.2.05 HoL WA161 * Science and Treaties – debate – 3.2.05 HoL 450 NIREX – 7.4.05 HoC 1630W & 1669W Small/Medium-sized Enterprises – 9.2.05 HoC 1625W Nuclear Energy: Fissile Material – 21.2.05 HoL WA161 Stem Cell Research – 24.2.05 HoC 815W Nuclear Industry – 4.3.05 HoC 1417W * Adjournment debate – 7.3.05 HoC 1357 IT System – 14.3.05 HoC 75W Safety – 25.2.05 HoC 887W Nuclear Safety – 20.1.05 HoC 1091W Space Nuclear Security – 23.3.05 HoC 888W & 25.2.05 HoC Beagle 2 Inquiry – 3.2.05 HoL WS18 887W Galileo Navigation System – 5.4.05 HoC 1326W

46 Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 2 Whit 2005 Sustainable Development Transport Environment and Development Ministers Meeting – Bioethanol Industry – 26.1.05 HoL WA166 24.3.05 HoC 931W Carbon Dioxide Emissions: Road-building Programme – Environmental Education – 3.2.05 HoC 1041W 22.3.05 HoL WA26 Standards – 6.4.05 HoC 1529W Emissions – 9.3.05 HoC 1864W Sustainability Index – 19.1.05 HoC 941W Greenhouse Gas Emissions – 24.3.05 HoL WA66 Food Miles – 21.2.05 HoC 55W Heavy Goods Vehicles – 15.3.05 HoL WA130 Illegal Logging – 24.1.05 HoC 149W Hybrid Engine Cars – 11.1.05 HoC 383W India (Environmental Policy) – 21.2.05 HoC 58W New Cars (Emissions) – 24.1.05 HoC 34W Millennium Ecosystem Assessment – 4.3.05 HoC 1438W Powershift – 21.2.05 HoC 210W & 7.4.05 HoC 1563W Renewable Fuels – 8.3.05 HoC 1375 Securing the Future – 18.3.05 HoC 496W Transport Fuel Obligation – 25.1.05 HoL 1138 Sustainable Development – 7.3.05 HoC 102WS, 14.3.05 Road Noise – 11.1.05 HoC 385W HoC 9W & 22.3.05 HoC 802W Road Transport (Emissions) – 10.1.05 HoC 176W Education – 24.2.05 HoC 458 Speed Cameras/Humps – 17.3.05 HoC 352W Sustainable Forestry (Africa) – 2.2.05 HoC 913W Technology Transfer – 4.4.05 HoC 1208W Waste Disposal Timber – 19.1.05 HoC 945W Farm Plastics Recycling Scheme – 26.1.05 HoC 338W UN Environment Programme – 3.3.05 HoC 1301W Green Waste – 31.1.05 HoC 579W Telecommunications and Broadcasting Hazardous Waste – adjournment debate – 2.2.05 HoC 276WH Airwave – 18.1.05 HoC 893W Landfill – 10.1.05 HoC 174W Analogue Television Switch-off – adjournment debate – Organic Waste Disposal – 24.1.05 HoC 200W 15.3.05 HoC 32WH Plastic Waste – 24.3.05 HoC 932W Broadband – 8.3.05 HoC 1708W Recycling – 27.1.05 HoC 456W Digital Broadcasting – 21.2.05 HoC 237W Reprocessed Fuel Oil – 19.1.05 HoL WA116 & 4.2.05 Switchover – 24.1.05 HoC 44W & 1.3.05 HoC 1091W HoL WA71 Television – 23.3.05 HoC 68WS Waste – 10.1.05 HoC 181W, 11.1.05 HoC 467W & Television Project – 23.3.05 HoL WS38 20.1.05 HoC 1048W Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity – 18.3.05 HoC 511W And Resources Action Programme – 16.3.05 HoC Mobile Phone Base Stations – 25.2.05 HoC 899W 259W Mobile Phone Masts – 26.1.05 HoC 339W & 5.4.05 HoL Disposal – 7.4.05 HOC 1687W WS82 Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive – 2.2.05 Mobile Phones – 10.1.05 HoC 316W, 18.1.05 HoC 876W, HoC 931W & 8.2.05 HoC 1374W 20.1.05 HoC 1115W & 4.4.05 HoL WA79 Incineration Directive – 9.3.05 HoC 1817W Health – 25.2.05 HoC 887W Management – 5.4.05 HoC 1369W Under-fives – 24.3.05 HoC 1061W Performance Reward Grant – 19.1.05 HoC 946W National Radiological Protection Board Report – 10.3.05 Wood Burning – 26.1.05 HoC 342W HoC 1968W Police Equipment (Tetra) – 27.1.05 HoC 477W Water Police Tetra Masts (Sussex) – adjournment debate – 1.3.05 Drinking Water – 31.1.05 HoC 576W HoC 214WH Fluoridation – 23.2.05 HoL WA213, 14.3.05 HoC 127W Stewart Report 2004 – 25.1.05 HoC 328W & 4.4.05 HoC 1095W Telecommunications Developments – 4.4.05 HoC 115WS Pesticides – 19.1.05 HoC 944W Masts – 17.1.05 HoC 766W, 18.1.05 HoC 869W & Water Fluoridation (Consultation) (England) Regulations 22.3.05 HoC 767W 2005 – 8.3.05 HoL 704 TETRA System – 26.1.05 HoC 416W Water Shortage – 8.2.05 HoC 1397W

Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 2 Whit 2005 47 Euro-News Commentary on science and technology within the European Parliament and the Commission

REACH Proposals CUTE fuel cell buses Under REACH, companies that manufacture or import Fuel cell buses developed within the CUTE project, more than one tonne of a chemical substance each year funded under the EU’s fifth framework programme (FP5), would have to register it in a central database. The have been operating for over a year in 10 European cities, companies concerned would also have to research the as well as in Perth, Australia. In London, the fleet of three risks arising from use of the chemical and take steps to buses travelled over 37,000km and were on the road for mitigate them. One proposal put forward by the United 3,400 hours during their first year of operation. They also Kingdom is the "one substance, one registration" or excelled in reliability according to Transport for London. OSOR system. This would allow companies to form a These trials are a positive indication that hydrogen fuel consortium in order to to share the costs of registration. cells could offer an alternative to diesel in the future. The OSOR would be particularly welcome among SMEs. Of high cost of the vehicles is the major barrier at the primary concern is the potential for increases in testing moment. using animals. The Commission has previously emphasised that alternatives to animal tests must be found and this needs to be a catalyst for further research. Methane in the sea floor The European Parliament will vote on the REACH A project called Metrol (Methane fluxes in ocean margin proposals in the early autumn. sediments: microbiological and geochemical control) funded by FP5 and co-ordinated by the Max Planck Huygens Probe Institute for Marine Microbiology, Bremen, is designed to The European Space Agency (ESA) is celebrating one of help predict the possible future impact of seafloor the greatest successes in its history, following the Huygens methane on global climate change. Vast amounts of probe’s safe touchdown on the surface of Titan, Saturn’s methane are formed in European margin sediments by largest moon, on 14 January. Colour images reveal that natural mechanisms that are insufficiently understood. the surface of Titan is bright orange, with a tangerine sky Metrol will be completing its work in October 2005 and appear to show a coastline and a river bed where followed by a public symposium designed to present the liquid had once flowed and what could be a bank of results to the scientific community. methane fog covering the landscape. The intention was to discover clues to the chemical conditions that preceded European Institute of Technology life on earth. The Cassini-Huygens mission is the result of co-operation between the ESA, NASA and the Italian A cross-party group of MEPs, the Campaign for Space Agency. Parliamentary Reform (CPR) comprising over 130 MEPs has called for the proposed European Institute of European Research Council Technology (EIT), a European equivalent to the USA’s The Commission is confident about the creation of a Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), to be European Research Council. If the Commission convinces housed in the current European Parliament buildings in the Council to make research a major objective of the EU, Strasbourg. The intention of EIT is to help stem the this will enable the doubling of the research budget, brain drain and attract outside talent and investment into leading to a better balance between current and new the EU. One of the other main objectives of CPR is to activities, basic and applied research and human resources achieve a single seat for the European Parliament in and infrastructures. The Commission prefers the formation Brussels, abolishing the wasteful monthly sessions in of an executive agency. The Commission has decided to Strasbourg. create the nucleus of a science council without waiting for the structure to be decided. EU-Western Balkan Science & Technology The EU’s recently appointed Science and Research Tsunami Warning System Commissioner, Janez Potocnik said that scientific In the wake of the 26 December earthquake and resulting co-operation within the framework programmes is a tsunamis in the Indian Ocean, Germany has announced means of consolidating lasting peace and prosperity in the that it will lead international efforts in setting up an early western Balkan countries. Specific calls for proposals warning system for tsunamis. This will be co-ordinated by under FP6 have already been launched to address the Geophysical Research Centre (GFZ) in Potsdam which challenges in the region and could receive more financing specialises in earthquake and tsunami research and is in the future. The Commission has decided to support much further advanced in this type of research than any the most promising scientific institutes in the area, with other centre, according to Klaus Scharioth, Germany’s the aim of assisting in the establishment of regional Deputy Foreign Minister. networks.

48 Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 2 Whit 2005 Parkinson’s disease There are 700,000 Parkinson’s sufferers in the European programme of FP5 to take advantage of a little Union and that number is expected to rise as the understood phenomenon known as kinesia paradoxa, to population ages. The PARREHA (Parkinson’s develop a headset that looks like a normal pair of glasses, rehabilitation) project was established with a €1.68 that enables a certain group of Parkinson’s sufferers to million grant from the Information Society Technologies move freely and safely in their normal environment.

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). Animals and Veterinary Matters Aviation Council Directive 2005/24/EC on ova, embryos and semen Commission Regulation 381/2005 on airworthiness and from bovine species – OJL78(p43)24.3.05 environmental certification of aircraft – OJL61(p3)8.3.05 Council Regulations: 183/2005 laying down requirements for feed hygiene – Dangerous Goods OJL35(p1)8.2.05 Commission Decision regarding the transport of 396/2005 on residue levels of pesticides in food or feed – dangerous goods by rail – OJL61(p41)8.3.05 OJL70(p1)16.3.05 Commission Directives: Energy and Nuclear Industries 2005/7/EC on dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs in feedingstuffs – OJL27(p41)29.1.05 Commission Regulation 302/2005 on application of Euratom safeguards – OJL54(p1)28.2.05 2005/8/EC on undesirable substances in animal feed – OJL27(p44)29.1.05 Council Decisions on: Commission Regulations: radioactive waste management – OJL30(p10)3.2.05 75/2005 on maximum residue limits of veterinary UK exemption from climate change levy for low-value solid medicines in foodstuffs of animal origin – fuel – OJL51(p17)24.2.05 OJL15(p3)19.1.05 Commission Opinions on disposal of radioactive waste – 255/2005 on additives in feedingstuffs – OJL45(p3)16.2.05 OJC26(p3)2.2.05; OJC30(p5&6)5.2.05; OJC36(p3)11.2.05 358/2005 on additives in feedingstuffs – OJL57(p3)3.3.05 Notice of UK 23rd Offshore Oil and Gas Licensing Round – 359/2005 on animal diseases – OJL55(p12)1.3.05 OJC60(p7)10.3.05 416/2005 on importation from Japan of animal by-products – OJL66(p10)12.3.05 Environment Commission Decisions on: Council Directive 2004/107/EC relating to pollutants in financial contributions for foot and mouth disease in the the air – OJL23(p3)26.1.05 UK – OJL45(p13) 16.2.05 Commission Directive 2005/13/EC on emissions from financial contributions for laboratories in the veterinary tractors – OJL55(p35)1.3.05 public health field – OJL45(p15)16.2.05 Commission Regulation 252/2005 on specimens of wild protection measures against avian flu – OJL68(p43)15.3.05 fauna and flora – OJL43(p3)15.2.05 transit through the UK of live bovine animals – Report of the Court of Auditors on Forestry Measures OJL61(p28)8.3.05 within the Rural Development Policy – OJC67(p1)18.3.05 cattle diseases in Slovenia and Slovakia – OJL61(p37)8.3.05 swine fever – OJL71(p69,70&72)17.3.05 Fish protection measures against avian flu – OJL63(p25)10.3.05 Council Regulations: foot and mouth disease virus antigens – OJL68(p42)15.3.05 27/2005 fixing for 2005 the fishing opportunities and domestic movements of animals – OJL69(p39)16.3.05 associated conditions for certain fish stocks – imports of bovine embryos – OJL69(p41)16.3.05 OJL12(p1)14.1.05 Commission Recommendation on animal nutrition – 172/2005 on fishing off the Comoros – OJL29(p1)2.2.05 OJL62(p22)9.3.05 289/2005 on trawling ban in Polish waters – Judgment of the Court on importation of animal feedingstuffs legally manufactured in another Member State OJL49(p1)22.2.05 – OJC57(p3)5.3.05 Commission Regulations: Reports of the Court of Auditors on: 206/2005 on imports of farmed salmon – OJL33(p8)5.2.05 system for identification and registration of bovine animals 448/2005 on catches in the north-east Atlantic – – OJC29(p1)4.2.05 OJL74(p5)19.3.05 measures to control foot and mouth disease – Council Decision regarding fish stocks in the Pacific Ocean OJC54(p1)3.3.05 – OJL32(p1)4.2.05

Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 2 Whit 2005 49 Food Public Health and Pharmaceuticals Commission Directives: Commission Directive 2005/9/EC concerning cosmetic 2005/4/EC on methods of analysis for the control of levels products – OJL27(p46)29.1.05 of metals in foodstuffs – OJL19(p50)21.1.05 Opinion of the Committee of the Regions on European 2005/5/EC regarding ochratoxin A – OJL27(p38)29.1.05 eHealth Area – OJC71(p30)22.3.05 2005/10/EC on sampling methods –OJL34(p15)9.2.05 2005/26/EC on food ingredients – OJL75(p33)22.3.05 Science and Engineering Policy Commission Regulations: Opinions of the Committee of the Regions on: 37/2005 on the monitoring of temperature of quick-frozen third-country nationals and scientific research – foodstuffs – OJL10(p18)13.1.05 OJC71(p6)22.3.05 123/2005 regarding ochratoxin A – OJL25(p3)28.1.05 future European policy to support research – 208/2005 on contaminants in foodstuffs – OJL34(p3)8.2.05 OJC71(p22)22.3.05 Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee on IT, Telecommunications and Broadcasting research into quality of life for the elderly and technological Council Resolution: Looking into the Future of requirements – OJC74(p44)23.3.05 Information Communication Technologies – Calls for proposals: OJC62(p1)12.3.05 Integrating and strengthening the European Research Area – Opinion of the Committee of the Regions on National OJC12(p27)18.1.05 Broadband Strategies – OJC71(p55)22.3.05 Science and Society beyond FP6 – OJC34(p10)9.2.05 Structuring the European Research Area – Maritime and Marine OJC63(p13)15.3.05 Commission Directives: 2005/12/EC on stability requirements for ro-ro passenger Transport ships – OJL48(p19)19.2.05 Commission Directives: 2005/23/EC on training of seafarers – OJL62(p14)9.3.05 2005/11/EC on tyres for motor vehicles – OJL46(p42)17.2.05 Plants and their Protection Products 2005/21/EC on emissions from diesel engines – Council Directives: OJL61(p25)8.3.05 2004/117/EC on examinations and equivalence of seed Opinion of the Committee of the Regions on proposals produced in third countries – OJL14(p18)18.1.05 regarding the European rail system – OJC71(p26)22.3.05 2005/15/EC on organisms harmful to plants – Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee on OJL56(p12)2.3.05 motor vehicles – OJC74(p15)23.3.05 Commission Directives: 2005/16/EC on organisms harmful to plants – Transmissible Spongiform OJL57(p19)3.3.05 Encephalopathies 2005/17/EC on plant passports – OJL57(p23)3.3.05 Commission Regulations: 2005/18/EC on plant health risks – OJL57(p25)3.3.05 36/2005 on epidemio-surveillance for TSEs – Commission Regulation 80/2005 on hop varieties – OJL10(p9)13.1.05 OJL16(p51)20.1.05 Commission Recommendation on pesticide residues – 214/2005 on TSEs in caprine animals – OJL37(p9)10.2.05 OJL61(p31)8.3.05 Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee: Waste proposal for Directive on examinations and equivalence of Council Directive 2005/20/EC on packaging and seed produced in third countries – OJC74(p55)23.3.05 packaging waste – OJL70(p17)16.3.05

50 Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 2 Whit 2005 Science Directory DIRECTORY INDEX Aerospace and Aviation Institution of Chemical Engineers Academy of Medical Sciences BBSRC Queen Mary, University of London Royal Society of Chemistry British Association for the University of East Anglia SEMTA Advancement of Science HFEA Chemistry British Society for Antimicrobial LGC Agriculture CCLRC Chemotherapy University of Newcastle upon Tyne BBSRC University of East Anglia CABI Bioscience Queen Mary, University of London Campden & Chorleywood Food Institution of Chemical Engineers Campden & Chorleywood Food Research Association LGC Research Association Geographical Information Institute of Biology University of Leeds Clifton Scientific Trust Systems LGC London Metropolitan Polymer Economic and Social Research University of East Anglia University of Newcastle upon Tyne Centre Council University of Leeds SCI Royal Institution Engineering and Physical Sciences Society for General Microbiology Royal Society of Chemistry Research Council Geology and Geoscience UFAW SCI Institute of Biology AMSI Colloid Science Institute of Mathematics and its University of East Anglia Animal Health and Welfare, London Metropolitan Polymer Applications Institution of Civil Engineers Veterinary Research Centre Institute of Physics Natural Environment Research ABPI Royal Society of Chemistry Institution of Chemical Engineers Council Academy of Medical Sciences LGC British Veterinary Association Construction and Building London Metropolitan Polymer Hazard and Risk Mitigation FRAME Institution of Civil Engineers Centre Institution of Chemical Engineers Royal College of Veterinary London Metropolitan Polymer NESTA RSA Surgeons Centre Royal Institution UFAW SCI The Royal Society Health Royal Statistical Society ABPI Astronomy and Space Science Dentistry SEMTA Academy of Medical Sciences CCLRC Queen Mary, University of London British Society for Antimicrobial PPARC Energy Chemotherapy Queen Mary, University of London Earth Sciences CCLRC University of East Anglia University of East Anglia Institution of Chemical Engineers Economic and Social Research Atmospheric Sciences, Climate English Nature Institution of Civil Engineers Council RSA and Weather University of Leeds HFEA SCI CCLRC Institute of Physics and Engineering Engineering University of East Anglia Ecology, Environment and in Medicine CCLRC Natural Environment Research Biodiversity LGC Engineering and Physical Sciences Council AMSI Medical Research Council Research Council British Ecological Society University of Newcastle upon Tyne Institution of Chemical Engineers Biotechnology CABI Bioscience Royal Institution Institution of Civil Engineers BBSRC University of East Anglia University of Leeds Royal Society of Chemistry Campden & Chorleywood Food Economic and Social Research London Metropolitan Polymer Society for General Microbiology Research Association Council Centre University of East Anglia English Nature Royal Academy of Engineering Heart Research Institute of Biology Environment Agency SCI ABPI LGC Freshwater Biological Association SEMTA University of Leeds Institute of Biology Hydrocarbons and Petroleum National Physical Laboratory Institution of Chemical Engineers Fisheries Research University of Newcastle upon Tyne University of Newcastle upon Tyne Institution of Civil Engineers Freshwater Biological Association Royal Society of Chemistry Royal Society of Chemistry LGC Industrial Policy and Research RSA University of Leeds Food and Food Technology AIRTO SCI Natural Environment Research CABI Bioscience CCLRC Society for General Microbiology Council Campden & Chorleywood Food Economic and Social Research Royal Botanic Gardens Kew Research Association Council Brain Research Royal Society of Chemistry Institute of Biology Institution of Civil Engineers ABPI SCI Institution of Chemical Engineers Royal Academy of Engineering Merck Sharp & Dohme Society for General Microbiology LGC RSA University of Newcastle upon Tyne University of Surrey University of Leeds SCI Royal Society of Chemistry Cancer Research Economic and Social Research SCI Information Services ABPI Economic and Social Research Society for General Microbiology AIRTO University of East Anglia Council University of Leeds University of Leeds Forensics IT, Internet, University of Newcastle upon Tyne University of Newcastle upon Tyne LGC Telecommunications, Computing Queen Mary, University of London RSA Royal Society of Chemistry and Electronics CABI Bioscience Catalysis Education, Training and Skills Genetics CCLRC University of East Anglia ABPI ABPI University of East Anglia

Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 2 Whit 2005 51 Engineering and Physical Sciences Motor Vehicles Public Policy Seed Protection Research Council University of Leeds British Society for Antimicrobial CABI Bioscience University of Leeds London Metropolitan Polymer Chemotherapy University of Newcastle upon Tyne Centre Economic and Social Research Sensors and Transducers Queen Mary, University of London SEMTA Council AMSI University of Surrey HFEA CCLRC Oceanography NESTA Intellectual Property AMSI Prospect SSSIs ABPI Natural Environment Research Queen Mary, University of London The Chartered Institute of Patent Council English Nature Royal Botanic Gardens Kew Agents Public Understanding of Science NESTA Oil Academy of Medical Sciences Queen Mary, University of London Institution of Chemical Engineers British Association for the Statistics LGC Advancement of Science Royal Statistical Society Large-Scale Research Facilities British Society for Antimicrobial Surface Science Campden & Chorleywood Food Particle Physics Chemotherapy CCLRC Research Association CCLRC Clifton Scientific Trust CCLRC University of Leeds University of East Anglia Sustainability London Metropolitan Polymer PPARC Engineering and Physical Sciences CABI Bioscience Centre Research Council PPARC Patents University of East Anglia The Chartered Institute of Patent HFEA English Nature Lasers Agents Institute of Biology Environment Agency CCLRC NESTA Institute of Physics Institution of Chemical Engineers Institution of Chemical Engineers Institution of Civil Engineers Management Pharmaceuticals Medical Research Council London Metropolitan Polymer University of Leeds ABPI NESTA Centre British Pharmacological Society Prospect SCI Manufacturing British Society for Antimicrobial Royal Academy of Engineering Royal Institution ABPI Chemotherapy Technology Transfer AMSI Institution of Chemical Engineers The Royal Society CABI Bioscience Engineering and Physical Sciences LGC Royal Society of Chemistry Campden & Chorleywood Food Research Council Merck Sharp & Dohme RSA University of Leeds Queen Mary, University of London Quality Management Research Association London Metropolitan Polymer Royal Society of Chemistry Campden & Chorleywood Food CCLRC Centre SCI Research Association LGC SCI LGC University of Leeds Physical Sciences London Metropolitan Polymer Materials Cavendish Laboratory Radiation Hazards Centre CCLRC Engineering and Physical Sciences HPA Radiation Protection NESTA University of Leeds Research Council Division National Physical Laboratory London Metropolitan Polymer London Metropolitan Polymer Centre Centre Retail Tropical Medicine National Physical Laboratory National Physical Laboratory Marks and Spencer Society for General Microbiology Queen Mary, University of London PPARC Satellite Engineering Viruses Mathematics Physics University of Surrey Institute of Mathematics and its Cavendish Laboratory ABPI Society for General Microbiology Applications Institute of Physics Science Policy University of Leeds University of Leeds ABPI National Physical Laboratory Academy of Medical Sciences Water Medical and Biomedical Research PPARC British Association for the AMSI ABPI Advancement of Science Campden & Chorleywood Food Academy of Medical Sciences Physiology Clifton Scientific Trust Research Association Association of Medical Research University of Leeds Economic and Social Research University of East Anglia Charities Environment Agency British Pharmacological Society Pollution and Waste Council Freshwater Biological Association British Society for Antimicrobial ABPI Engineering and Physical Sciences Chemotherapy AMSI Research Council Institution of Chemical Engineers University of East Anglia CABI Bioscience HFEA Institution of Civil Engineers HFEA University of East Anglia Institute of Physics LGC University of Leeds Environment Agency Institution of Chemical Engineers University of Newcastle upon Tyne Medical Research Council Institution of Chemical Engineers LGC Royal Society of Chemistry University of Newcastle upon Tyne Institution of Civil Engineers Medical Research Council SCI Queen Mary, University of London London Metropolitan Polymer NESTA Society for General Microbiology RSA Centre Prospect Royal Academy of Engineering University of Surrey Natural Environment Research Wildlife Royal Institution UFAW Council University of East Anglia The Royal Society English Nature Mining, Minerals and Metal Psychology Royal Society of Chemistry Production British Psychological Society The Science Council Institute of Biology Rio Tinto plc University of Leeds UFAW UFAW

52 Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 2 Whit 2005 Association Association Academy of the British of Marine of Medical Pharmaceutical Scientific Industries Sciences Industry Contact: Mrs Mary Manning, Executive Director Contact: John Southerden Academy of Medical Sciences Contact: Dr Philip Wright Society of Maritime Industries 12 Whitehall, London SW1A 2DY 10 Carlton House Terrace Tel: 020 7747 1408 4th Floor, 30 Great Guildford Street London SW1Y 5AH Fax: 020 7747 1417 London SE1 0HS Tel: 020 7969 5288 E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 020 7928 9199 Website: www.abpi.org.uk Fax: 020 7969 5298 Fax: 020 7928 6599 E-mail: [email protected] The Association for the British Pharmaceutical E-mail: [email protected] Industry members brings together companies in Website: www.acmedsci.ac.uk Britain producing prescription medicines both Website:www.maritimeindustries.org/about/amsi.jsp through manufacture and supply as well as research The Academy of Medical Sciences promotes and development (R&D). The Association of Marine Scientific Industries advances in medical science and campaigns to The ABPI’s mission is to represent the pharmaceutical (AMSI) is a constituent association of the Society ensure these are converted as quickly as industry operating in the UK in a way that: of Maritime Industries (SMI). As a market possible into healthcare benefits for society. The ● Academy’s eight hundred Fellows are the United assures patient access to the best available orientated trade association, it services medicine; Kingdom’s leading medical scientists from companies in the marine science and technology ● creates a favourable political and economic hospitals, academia, industry and the public environment; sector. AMSI provides a co-ordinated voice for service. The Academy provides independent, ● encourages innovative research and development; the industry sector on national, European and authoritative advice on public policy issues in ● avoids unfair commercial returns international issues. medical science and healthcare.

AIRTO Association Biotechnology

Contact: Professor Richard Brook of Medical and Biological AIRTO : Association of Independent Research Research Charities & Technology Organisations Sciences c/o CCFRA, Station Road, Chipping Campden, Contact: Diana Garnham, Chief Executive Gloucestershire GL55 6LD. Association of Medical Research Charities Research Council Tel: 01386 842247 61 Gray’s Inn Road, London WC1X 8TL. Contact: Dr Monica Winstanley, Fax: 01386 842010 Tel: 020 7269 8820 Fax: 020 7269 8821 Head of External Relations E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] BBSRC, Polaris House, North Star Avenue Website: www.airto.co.uk Website: www.amrc.org.uk Swindon SN2 1UH. Tel: 01793 413204 AIRTO represents the UK’s independent The Association of Medical Research Charities E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.bbsrc.ac.uk research and technology sector - member (AMRC) works to advance medical research in the organisations employ a combined staff of over UK and, in particular, aims to improve the The BBSRC is the UK’s leading funding agency for 20,000 scientists and engineers with a effectiveness of the charitable sector in medical academic research in the non-medical life sciences and research. There are over 100 member charities is funded principally through the Science Budget of the turnover in the region of £2 billion. Work within the Association: in 2003/2004 their combined Office of Science and Technology. It supports staff in carried out by members includes research, expenditure on biomedical research in the UK was universities and research institutes throughout the UK, consultancy, training and global information £634 million. AMRC provides information, and funds basic and strategic science in: agri-food, monitoring. AIRTO promotes their work by guidance and advice to medical research charities animal sciences, biomolecular sciences, biochemistry building closer links between members and and information and data on the activities of the and cell biology, engineering and biological systems, industry, academia, UK government agencies charity sector in medical research to government, the genes and developmental biology, and plant and and the European Union. media and decision-formers. microbial sciences.

British British British Association Ecological Pharmacological Society Society Advancing for the Advancement molecules into Contact: Nick Dusic, Science Policy Manager medicines. of Science - the BA British Ecological Society Contact: Sarah-Jane Stagg 26 Blades Court, Deodar Road, Putney, British Pharmacological Society Contact: Sir Roland Jackson Bt, Chief Executive London, SW15 2NU 16 Angel Gate, City Road, The BA, Wellcome Wolfson Building, Tel: 020 8871 9797 Fax : 020 8871 9779 London EC1V 2SG. 165 Queen’s Gate, London SW7 5HE. E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 020 7417 0113 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.BritishEcologicalSociety.org Fax: 020 7417 0114 Website: www.the-BA.net E-mail: [email protected] The BES is an active, successful and independent The BA is the UK’s nationwide, open membership Website: www.bps.ac.uk scientific society. It aims to promote the science of organisation dedicated to connecting people with ecology worldwide. It supports the ecological The British Pharmacological Society’s 2,500 science, so that science and its applications become research and education communities to ensure members are trained to study drug action from accessible to all. The BA aims to promote openness that they remain vibrant and productive, thus the laboratory bench to the patient’s bed-side. Our about science in society and to engage and inspire generating new knowledge, skilled people and a members come from academia, industry, hospitals people directly with science and technology and their greater appreciation of the science of ecology in and regulatory authorities and government implications. the wider community. The Society publishes bodies. Our aim is to improve the quality of life by Established in 1831, the BA organises major initiatives internationally renowned journals, organises across the UK, including the annual BA Festival of developing new medicines to treat and prevent Europe’s biggest annual meeting of ecologists, the diseases and conditions which affect millions Science, National Science Week, programmes of provides advice to policy-makers and opinion of people and animals. Inquiries about drugs and regional and local events, and an extensive programme formers, has an active programme of educational for young people in schools and colleges. initiatives and provides grants. how they work are welcome.

Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 2 Whit 2005 53 The British British Society British Veterinary Psychological for Antimicrobial Association Society Chemotherapy Contact:Chrissie Nicholls 7 Mansfield Street, London W1G 9NQ Contact: Dr Ana Padilla Contact: Tracey Guest, Executive Officer Tel: 020 7636 6541 Parliamentary Officer Fax: 020 7637 4769 The British Psychological Society British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy E-mail:[email protected] 33 John Street 11 The Wharf, 16 Bridge Street, www.bva.co.uk London WC1N 2AT Birmingham B1 2JS. BVA’s chief interests are: Tel: 020 7692 3412 Tel: 0121 633 0410 Fax: 020 7419 6922 Fax: 0121 643 9497 * Standards of animal health Email: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] * Veterinary surgeons’ working practices Website: www.bps.org.uk Website: www.bsac.org.uk * Professional standards and quality of service Founded in 1971, and with 800 members * Relationships with external bodies, particulary The British Psychological Society is an worldwide, the Society exists to facilitate the government organisation of over 34,000 members acquisition and dissemination of knowledge in BVA carries out three main functions which are: governed by Royal Charter. It maintains the the field of antimicrobial chemotherapy. The Register of Chartered Psychologists, * Policy development in areas affecting the BSAC publishes the Journal of Antimicrobial profession publishes books, 10 primary science Journals Chemotherapy (JAC), internationally renowned for * Protecting and promoting the profession in and organises conferences. Requests for its scientific excellence, undertakes a range of matters propounded by government and other information about psychology and educational activities, awards grants for research external bodies psychologists from parliamentarians are and has active relationships with its peer groups welcome. and government. * Provision of services to members

CABI Campden & Cavendish Bioscience Chorleywood Laboratory Contact: Dr David Dent, Managing Director Food Research The Administrative Secretary, The Cavendish CABI Bioscience, Bakeham Lane, Egham, Laboratory, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK. Surrey TW20 9TY. Association E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 01491 829080 Fax: 01491 829100 http://www.phy.cam.ac.uk Contact: Prof Colin Dennis, Director-General E-mail: [email protected] CCFRA, Chipping Campden, The Cavendish Laboratory houses the Department of Physics of Website: www.cabi-bioscience.org Gloucestershire GL55 6LD. the University of Cambridge. CABI Bioscience is a new breed of international Tel: 01386 842000 Fax: 01386 842100 Its world-class research is focused in a number of experimental organisation specialising in sustainable agriculture, the E-mail: [email protected] and theoretical diverse fields. Website: www.campden.co.uk conservation of biodiversity, invasive species Astrophysics: Millimetre astronomy, optical interferometry management and industrial and environmental A independent, membership-based industrial research observations & instrumentation. Astrophysics, geometric bioremediation. Globally the work of CABI Bioscience association providing substantial R&D, processing, algebra, maximum entropy, neutral networks. focuses on the farmer and his need to adapt and analytical hygiene, best practice, training, auditing and respond to the changes and challenges of the markets HACCP services for the food chain worldwide. High Energy Physics: LEP, SPS & future LHC experiments. - these may be for organic produce, a route to Members include growers, processors, retailers, Detector development. Particle physics theory. transgenic production, or dealing with the effects of caterers, distributors, machinery manufacturers, Condensed Matter Physics: Semiconductor physics, quantum climate change or alien invasive species in a safe and government departments and enforcement authorities. effect devices, nanolithography. Superconductivity, magnetic sustainable way. Employs over 300; serves over 2,000 member sites; thin films. Optoelectronics, conducting polymers. Biological and has a subsidiary company in Hungary. Activities Soft Systems. Polymers and Colloids. Surface physics, fracture, CABI Bioscience UK is one of a network of 6 global focus on safety, quality, efficiency and innovation. CABI Bioscience centres and a division of CAB Participates in DTI’s Faraday Partnerships and wear & erosion. Amorphous solids. Electron microscopy. International, a 42 member strong UN treaty-level collaborates with universities on LINK projects and Electronic structure theory & computation. Structural phase organisation. Its sister enterprise is CABI Publishing, a studentships, transferring practical knowledge transitions, fractals, quantum Monte Carlo calculations leading international life science publisher. between industry and academia. Biological Physics.

Chartered Clifton Council Institute of Scientific for the Patent Agents Trust Central Laboratory

Contact: Michael Ralph - Contact: Dr Eric Albone of the Research Secretary & Registrar Clifton Scientific Trust Councils The Chartered Institute of Patent Agents 49 Northumberland Road, Bristol BS6 7BA 95 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1DT Tel: 0117 924 7664 Fax: 0117 924 7664 Contact: Natalie Bealing Tel: 020 7405 9450 E-mail: [email protected] CCLRC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Fax: 020 7430 0471 Website: www.clifton-scientific.org Chilton, Oxfordshire, OX11 0QX E-mail: [email protected] Science for Citizenship and Employability, CCLRC Daresbury Laboratory Website: www.cipa.org.uk Science for Life, Science for Real Daresbury, Cheshire, WA4 4AD CIPA’s members practise in intellectual property, We build grass-roots partnerships between Tel: 01235 445484 Fax: 01235 446665 school and the wider world of professional E-mail: [email protected] especially patents, trade marks, designs, and Website: www.cclrc.ac.uk copyright, either in private partnerships or science and its applications industrial companies. CIPA maintains the • for young people of all ages and abilities The CCLRC is the UK’s strategic agency for scientific statutory Register. It advises government and • experiencing science as a creative, research facilities. It also supports leading-edge science questioning, human activity and technology by providing world-class, large-scale international circles on policy issues and • bringing school science added meaning and experimental facilities. These advanced technological provides information services, promoting the capabilities, backed by a pool of expertise and skills notivation, from primary to post-16 across a broad range of disciplines, are exploited by more benefits to UK industry of obtaining IP • locally, nationally, internationally (currently protection, and to overseas industry of using than 1100 government, academic, industrial and other between Britain and Japan) research organisations around the world each year. The British agents to obtain international protection. Clifton Scientific Trust Ltd is registered charity 1086933 annual budget of the CCLRC is c. £150 million.

54 Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 2 Whit 2005 University Economic and Engineering of East Anglia Social Research and Physical Contact: Science Communication Officer Council Sciences University of East Anglia Contact: Lesley Lilley, Research Council Norwich NR4 7TJ Senior PR and Parliamentary Officer Contact: Lucy Brady, Economic and Social Research Council, Head of Marketing and Communications, Tel: 01603 593007 Polaris House, North Star Avenue, Fax: 01603 259883 Swindon SN2 1UJ EPSRC, Polaris House, E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 01793 413119 Fax 01793 413130 North Star Avenue, Swindon SN2 1ET Website: www.uea.ac.uk [email protected] Tel: 01793 444147 Fax: 01793 444005 http://www.esrc.ac.uk E-mail: [email protected] From award-winning technology translating The ESRC is the UK’s leading research and training Website:www.epsrc.ac.uk speech into sign language, to internationally- agency addressing economic and social concerns. We EPSRC invests more than £500 million a year in renowned climate research, and from the pursue excellence in social science research; work to research and postgraduate training in the physical intricacies of diseases such as cancer to the increase the impact of our research policy and sciences and engineering, to help the nation handle large-scale hazards of earthquakes and practice; and provide trained social scientists who the next generation of technological change. The volcanoes, UEA scientists are carrying out meet the needs of users and beneficiaries, thereby areas covered range from mathematics to materials world-class research and teaching. A strongly contrbuting to the economic competitiveness of the science, and information technology to structural interdisciplinary science cluster: Biological United Kingdom, the effectiveness of public services engineering. Sciences, Chemical Sciences and Pharmacy, and policy, and quality of life. The ESRC is We also actively promote public engagement with Environmental Sciences, Computing Sciences independent, established by Royal Charter in 1965, science and engineering, and we collaborate with a and Mathematics. and funded mainly by government. wide range of organisations in this area.

English Environment Freshwater Nature Agency Biological

Contact: Dr Keith Duff, Contact: Prof Michael Depledge, Association Chief Scientist Head of Science Contact: Dr Roger Sweeting, English Nature Rio House, Waterside Drive, Aztec West, Chief Executive. Northminster House, Peterborough, Almondsbury, Bristol BS32 4UD The Freshwater Biological Association, The PE1 1UA Tel: 01454 284433 Ferry House, Far Sawrey, Ambleside, Tel: 01733-455208 Fax: 01454 284301 Cumbria LA22 0LP. Fax: 01733-568834 E-mail: michael.depledge@environment- Tel: 015394 42468 Fax: 015394 46914 E-mail: [email protected] agency.gov.uk E-mail: [email protected] Website address: www.english-nature.org.uk Website: www.environment-agency.gov.uk Website: www.fba.org.uk English Nature is the Government’s wildlife The Environment Agency is responsible for The Freshwater Biological Association is an agency working throughout England. With protecting and enhancing the environment in independent organisation and a registered Charity, our partners and others we promote the England and Wales. We contribute to founded in 1929. It aims to promote freshwater conservation of wildlife and natural places. sustainable development through the science through an innovative research integrated management of air, land and water. programme, an active membership organisation We commission research and publish scientific We commission research to support our and by providing sound independent opinion. It papers which underpin the development of functions through our Science Programme that publishes a variety of specialist volumes and policies and programmes to maintain and is based on a 5 year plan developed through houses one of the finest freshwater libraries in the enhance biodiversity consultation. world.

Fund for the Health Human Replacement Protection Fertilisation of Animals in Agency and Medical Radiation Protection Division (formerly NRPB) Embryology Experiments Contact: Dr Michael Clark Radiation Protection Division Scientific Authority Contact: Professor Robert Combes, Spokesperson Scientific Director Chilton, Didcot, Oxon OX11 0RQ FRAME, Russell & Burch House Tel:01235 822737 Fax: 01235 822746 Contact: Tim Whitaker 96-98 North Sherwood Street Email: [email protected] Website: www.hpa.org.uk/radiation 21 Bloomsbury St Nottingham NG1 4EE London WC1B 3HF Tel: 0115 958 4740 Fax: 0115 950 3570 The Radiation Protection Division was formed on 1 Tel: 020 7291 8216 E-mail: [email protected] April 2005 when the National Radiological Website: www.frame.org.uk Protection Board merged with the Health Protection Fax: 020 7291 8201 Agency, under the provisions of the Health Protection Email: [email protected] Registered Charity No.: 259464 Agency Act 2004. Website: www.hfea.gov.uk FRAME considers that the current scale of live As part of the Centre for Radiation, Chemical and animal experimentation is unacceptable, but Environmental Hazards, the Division carries out the recognises that the immediate total abolition of all Agency’s work on ionising and non-ionising radiations. The HFEA is a non-departmental Government animal experimentation is not possible. FRAME It undertakes research to advance knowledge about body that regulates and inspects all UK clinics advocates the Three Rs approach, with the long-term protection of people from the risks of these radiations; providing IVF, donor insemination or the aim of eliminating the need for live-animal provides laboratory and technical services; runs storage of eggs, sperm or embryos. The HFEA experiments altogether, through the proper training courses; provides development, validation and acceptance of expertinformation and has a also licenses and monitors all human embryo replacement alternative methods. significant advisory role in the UK. research being conducted in the UK.

Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 2 Whit 2005 55 Institute The Institute of of Mathematics Biology and its Applications Contact: Lisa Wright, Personal Assistant to Contact: Prof Alan Malcolm, Chief Executive Contact: Public Relations Department Executive Director 76 Portland Place, London W1B 1NT 20 Queensberry Place, London SW7 2DZ Institute of Mathematics and its Applications Tel: 020 7470 4800 Tel: 020 7581 8333 Catherine Richards House, 16 Nelson Street E-mail: [email protected] Fax: 020 7823 9409 Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS1 1EF Websites: www.iop.org Tel: 01702 354020 www.einsteinyear.org E-mail: [email protected] Fax: 01702 354111 Website: www.iob.org 2005 is Einstein Year, part of an international E-mail: [email protected] celebration of physics to mark the centenary of Website: www.ima.org.uk the publication of Einstein’s most famous The biological sciences have truly come of theories. The Institute of Physics (IOP), the age with the new millennium and the The IMA is a professional and learned society for learned society and professional body which Institute of Biology is the professional body qualified and practising mathematicians. Its mission is represents physics and physicists, is co- to represent biology and biologists to all. A to promote mathematics in industry, business, the ordinating a range of activities designed to show source of independent advice to public sector, education and research. the diversity and importance of modern physics Forty percent of members are employed in education today and to enthuse and inspire young people Government, a supporter of education, a (schools through to universities), and the other 60% to study physics. measure of excellence and a disseminator of work in commercial and governmental organisations. The IOP supports physics in schools, colleges information - the Institute of Biology is the The Institute is incorporated by Royal Charter and has and universities and provides policy advice and Voice of British Biology. the right to award Chartered Mathematician status. opportunities for public debate.

Institute of Institution Physics and of Civil Engineering Engineers in Medicine Contact: Neal Weston, External Relations Manager Contact: Robert Neilson, General Secretary One Great George Street, Westminster, Fairmount House, 230 Tadcaster Road, London SW1P 3AA, UK York, YO24 1ES Tel: 020 7665 2151 Tel: 01904 610821 Fax: 01904 612279 Fax: 020 7222 0973 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.ipem.org.uk Website: www.ice.org.uk IPEM is a registered, incorporated charity for the ICE aims to be a leader in shaping the advancement, in the public interest, of physics and engineering profession. With over 70,000 engineering applied to medicine and biology. It accredits medical physicists, clinical engineers and members, ICE acts as a knowledge exchange clinical technologists through its membership register, for all aspects of civil engineering. As a organises training and CPD for them, and provides Learned Society, the Institution provides opportunities for the dissemination of knowledge expertise, in the form of reports and comment, through publications and scientific meetings. IPEM is on a wide range of subjects from energy licensed by the Science Council to award CSci and by generation and supply, to sustainability and the the Engineering Council (UK) to award CEng, IEng environment. and EngTech.

LGC University London Queens Road, Teddington of Leeds Metropolitan Middlesex, TW11 0LY Tel: +44 (0)20 8943 7000 Contact: Dr W E Lewis, Polymer Centre Fax: +44 (0)20 8943 2767 Director of Research Support Unit E-mail: [email protected] Contact: Alison Green, Research Support Unit, 3 Cavendish Road, Website: www.lgc.co.uk London Metropolitan University Leeds LS2 9JT 166-220 Holloway Road, London N7 8DB LGC is Europe’s leading independent analytical Tel: 0113 3436028 Tel: 020 7133 2189 laboratory providing chemical and DNA-based analysis, Fax: 0113 3434058 Fax: 020 7133 2184 diagnostic services, reference standards, R&D, method E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] development, consultancy and training to both the Website: http://www.leeds.ac.uk/rsu Website: www.polymers.org.uk public and private sectors. LGC operates in a diverse range of markets including foods, pharmaceuticals, The University of Leeds is among the The London Metropolitan Polymer Centre provides biotechnology, environment, chemicals and petroleum. largest research universities in Europe. training, consultancy and applied research to the UK We have some 3000 researchers, including polymer (plastics & rubber) industry. The training Under arrangements for the office and function of courses are delivered through a programme of Government Chemist, LGC fulfils specific statutory postgraduates, and an annual research income of more than £70m. Research activity industrial short courses and customised courses and duties and provides advice for Government and the these, together with distance learning and other wider analytical community on the implications of extends across nine faculties representing most core disciplines and often crosses flexible delivery methods, lead to qualifications analytical chemistry for matters of policy, standards and ranging from technician to Masters level. Recent regulation. traditional subject boundaries. In the last Research Assessment Exercise, we had 35 successes include a WRAP sponsored programme to LGC is based in Teddington, Middlesex, with other UK schools rated internationally or nationally develop new commercial applications for recycled PET and several technology transfer projects with operations in Runcorn and Edinburgh, and facilities in ‘excellent’. France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, Sweden and India. companies.

56 Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 2 Whit 2005 Marks & Medical Merck Sharp & Spencer Plc Research Dohme Research Contact: David S Gregory Council Laboratories Waterside House 35 North Wharf Road Contact: Elizabeth Mitchell Contact: Dr Ruth M McKernan London 20 Park Crescent, London W1B 1AL. W2 1NW. Tel: 020 7636 5422 Fax: 020 7436 2665 Neuroscience Research Centre Tel: 020 8718 8247 E-mail: Terlings Park E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] Website: www.mrc.ac.uk Eastwick Road Main Business Activities Harlow Retailer - Clothing, Food, Financial The Medical Research Council (MRC) is Essex CM20 2QR funded by the UK taxpayer. We are Services and Home. independent of Government, but work closely Over 400 stores in 29 countries Tel: 01279 440426 with the Health Departments, the National Fax: 01279 440178 worldwide. Employing 66,000 people. Health Service and industry to ensure that the research we support takes account of the E-mail: [email protected] We offer our customers quality, value, public’s needs as well as being of excellent service and trust in our brand by scientific quality. As a result, MRC-funded www.msd-nrc.co.uk applying science and technology to research has led to some of the most develop innovative products and significant discoveries in medical science and benefited millions of people, both in the UK Drug discovery for brain diseases. services. and worldwide.

The National National Natural Endowment Physical Environment Research Council for Science, Laboratory Technology and Contact: Sheila Anderson, the Arts National Physical Laboratory Head of Communications Hampton Road, Teddington Polaris House, North Star Avenue Swindon SN2 1EU Contact: Nicky Edwards Middlesex TW11 0LW Tel: 01793 411646 Fax: 01793 411510 Policy & Public Affairs Manager Tel: 020 8943 6880 Fax: 020 8943 6458 Fishmongers’ Chambers E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.nerc.ac.uk 110 Upper Thames Street, London EC4R 3TW Website: www.npl.co.uk Tel: 020 7645 9500 The UK’s Natural Environment Research Council Fax: 020 7645 9501 The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is the funds and carries out impartial scientific research Email: [email protected] United Kingdom’s national standards laboratory, in the sciences of the environment. NERC trains Website: www.nesta.org.uk an internationally respected and independent the next generation of independent environmental NESTA (the National Endowment for centre of excellence in research, development scientists. Science, Technology and the Arts) is all about and knowledge transfer in measurement and NERC funds research in universities and in a innovation. Through a range of pioneering materials science. For more than a century, NPL network of its own centres, which include: programmes, we invest in talented people has developed and maintained the nation’s and ground-breaking ideas. On a wider scale primary measurement standards - the heart of British Antarctic Survey, British Geological we work to improve the climate for change in an infrastructure designed to ensure accuracy, Survey, Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, this country, acting as a catalyst for change consistency and innovation in physical Southampton Oceanography Centre and and helping the UK to fulfil its potential. measurement. Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory

University of Particle Physics and Prospect Newcastle Astronomy Contact: Sue Ferns, upon Tyne Prospect Head of Research and Specialist Research Services, Prospect House Contact: Dr Douglas Robertson Council 75 – 79 York Rd, London SE1 7AQ Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU Tel: 020 7902 6639 Fax: 020 7902 6637 E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 0191 222 5347 Fax: 0191 222 5219 Contact: Dr Catherine Ewart, www.prospect.org.uk E-mail: [email protected] Head of Corporate Affairs Website: www.ncl.ac.uk Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council Prospect is an independent, thriving and Polaris House, North Star Avenue forward-looking trade union with 105,000 The University of Newcastle is a member of Swindon, Wiltshire SN2 1SZ members. We represent scientists, the Russell Group of research-intensive Tel: 01793 442115 Fax: 01793 442125 technologists and other professions in the Universities and is enjoying substantial E-mail: catherine.ewart @pparc.ac.uk civil service, research councils and private growth in student numbers and research Website: www.pparc.ac.uk sector. income. The University has a well balanced portfolio of research funding across all The PPARC is the UK’s strategic science investment Prospect’s collective voice champions the sponsor groups and has one of the highest agency that directs and funds research in national and interests of the engineering and scientific levels of research projects funded by UK international programmes in fundamental physics. community to key opinion-formers and Government Departments and EU activity. It It is this research into fundamental physics that lies policy makers and, with negotiating rights was recently identified in a national survey as behind some of the major technological advances of the with over 300 employers, we seek to secure a one of the top Universities in the UK for 20th Century, and delivers world leading science, better life at work by putting members’ pay, technology transfer. technologies and people for the UK. conditions and careers first.

Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 2 Whit 2005 57 Queen Mary, The Royal University Academy of London of Engineering

Contact: Caroline Quest, Contact: Tom McLaughlan, Contact: Terry Friese-Greene Director of Communications Innovation and Enterprise Technology Group Consultant Queens’ Building, Mile End Road 29 Great Peter Street Rio Tinto plc Westminster, London SW1P 3LW London E1 4NS 6 St James’s Square, London SW1Y 4LD Tel: 020 7882 7458 Fax: 020 7882 5128 Tel: 020 7227 0500 Fax: 020 7233 0054 Tel: 020 7753 2467 Email: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.raeng.co.uk Queen Mary, University of London, Website: www.riotinto.com Founded in 1976, the Royal Academy of Engineering incorporates the St Bartholomew’s and Royal Rio Tinto is a leading international mining promotes the engineering and technological welfare of London School of Medicine and Dentistry. company which focuses on exploration for first the country by facilitating the application of science. Queen Mary’s outstanding research strengths class ore-bodies and the development of large, As a national academy, we offer independent and cover the spectrum from Electronic efficient long-life mines capable of sustaining impartial advice to Government; work to secure the Engineering to Preventive Healthcare. It is next generation of engineers; pursue excellence; and competitive advantage. Principal products provide a voice for Britain’s engineering community. home to world-renowned specialist centres (aluminium, borates, coal, copper, gold, iron ore, including the Centre for Commercial Law Our Fellowship - comprising the UK’s most eminent titanium dioxide, uranium, nickel, talc, salt, engineers - provides the leadership and expertise for Studies, the Interdisciplinary Research Centre diamonds and silver) provide the materials our activities, which focus on the importance of in Biomedical Materials and the William necessary for economic progress and prosperity in engineering and technology to wealth creation and the Harvey Research Institute. the developed and developing world. quality of life.

Royal College The Royal of Veterinary Institution

Surgeons Contact: Dr Gail Cardew Contact: Jeff Gill, Policy Officer, Head of Programmes External Affairs Department The Royal Institution Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) 21 Albemarle Street, London W1S 4BS Belgravia House, 62-64 Horseferry Road Tel: 020 7409 2992 Fax: 020 7670 2920 London SW1P 2AF. E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.rigb.org Tel: +44 (0)20 7202 0735 (Direct) +44 (0)20 7222 2001 The Royal Institution has a reputation established Fax: +44 (0)20 7202 0740 over 200 years for its high calibre events that E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.rcvs.org.uk break down the barriers between science and society. It acts as a unique forum for informing “Promoting and sustaining public confidence in veterinary medicine”. The Royal College of people about how science affects their daily lives, Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) is the regulatory body and prides itself on its reputation of engaging the for veterinary surgeons in the UK and is responsible public in scientific debate. The Royal Institution for the registration of veterinary surgeons, for has a range of activities all under one roof, from monitoring standards of veterinary education and for programmes for schools and a forum for the professional conduct. The Government regularly consults the RCVS on a range of legislative issues general public, through to a heritage programme, including animal welfare, control of animal disease an arts–science initiative, a media centre and and veterinary certification. state-of-the-art chemistry labs.

The Royal Royal Society The Royal Society for the Society of Contact: Dr David Stewart Boak, encouragement of Chemistry Director Communications The Royal Society, 6-9 Carlton House Terrace, Arts, manufactures Contact: Dr Stephen Benn London, SW1Y 5AG. Parliamentary Affairs Tel: 020 7451 2510 Fax: 020 7451 2615 and commerce The Royal Society of Chemistry Email: [email protected] Website: www.royalsoc.ac.uk Contact: Susie Harries Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BA Founded in 1660, the Royal Society is an independent 8 John Adam Street Tel: 020 7437 8656 Fax: 020 7734 1227 academy promoting the natural and applied sciences. London WC2N 6EZ E-Mail: [email protected] It aims to: Tel: 020 7451 6879 Website: http://www.rsc.org ¥ strengthen UK science by providing support to Fax: 020 7839 5805 http://www.chemsoc.org excellent individuals E-mail: [email protected] ¥ fund excellent research to push back the frontiers Website: www.theRSA.org The Royal Society of Chemistry is a learned, of knowledge professional and scientific body of over 46,000 The RSA’s Forum for Technology, Citizens and the ¥ attract and retain the best scientists members with a duty under its Royal Charter ¥ ensure the UK engages with the best science around Market – a group of science-based companies and the world their principal stakeholders – aims to promote “to serve the public interest”. It is active in the ¥ support science communication and education; and the flow of new technologies into society by areas of education and qualifications, science communicate and encourage dialogue with the public enabling companies to sharpen their policy, publishing, Europe, information and ¥ provide the best independent advice nationally and understanding of public concerns around new internet services, media relations, public science and engage with these concerns early on internationally understanding of science, advice and assistance ¥ promote scholarship and encourage research into the as part of their routine product development history of science process. to Parliament and Government.

58 Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 2 Whit 2005 The Royal The Science Statistical Council Society Contact: Dr Sarah Ball, Chief Executive Officer Contact: Mr Andy Tope The Science Council Contact: Nicolas Heslop External Relations Officer 210 Euston Road, London NW1 2BE Public Affairs Manager The Royal Statistical Society Tel 020 7611 8754 Fax 020 7611 8743 SEMTA, 22 Old Queen Street, 12 Errol Sreet, London EC1Y 8LX. E-mail: [email protected] London SW1H 9HP Tel: 020 7222 0464 Fax: 020 7222 3004 Tel: +44 20 7614 3920 Website: www.sciencecouncil.org E-Mail: [email protected] Fax: +44 20 7614 3905 The Science Council has a membership of over Website: www.semta.org.uk E-mail: [email protected] 25 professional institutions and learned Website: www.rss.org.uk societies covering the breadth of science and SEMTA (Science, Engineering and Manufacturing mathematics. Its purpose is to provide an Technologies Alliance) is the Sector Skills Council for the The RSS is much more than just a learned society. independent collective voice for science and science, engineering and manufacturing technology sectors. We lead the way as an independent source of advice scientists and to maintain standards across all Our Mission is ‘to ensure that our sector has the knowledge on statistical issues, and through our links with scientific disciplines. We are active in science and skills required to meet the challenges faced by the policy issues including science in education, government, academia and the corporate and workforce of the future.’ voluntary sectors, play a crucial role in raising the health, society and sustainability. In 2003 the Science Council was granted its Royal Charter Our sectors account for a significant proportion of the UK profile of statistics. We have a powerful voice at and in 2004 it launched the Chartered Scientist economy. There are about two million people employed in Royal Commissions, Parliamentary Select (CSci) designation as a measure of high about 100,000 establishments in the core Science, Committees, and at public consultations, offering standards in the practice, application, Engineering and Technology sectors, currently contributes our own unique view on just about anything, from advancement and teaching of science. We now over £74 billion per annum – about ten per cent – of total freedom of information to sustainable development. have over 10,000 Chartered Scientists. UK GDP.

Society of University of Chemical Surrey Contact: Dr Faye Jones, Industry Public Affairs Administrator Contact: Pauline Elliott Marlborough House, Basingstoke Road, Contact: Mr Richard Denyer, University of Surrey, Guildford, Spencers Wood, Reading RG7 1AG. General Secretary and Chief Executive Surrey, GU2 7XH Tel: 0118 988 1843 Fax: 0118 988 5656 SCI, International Headquarters Tel: 01483 689905 E-mail: [email protected] 14-15 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8PS Fax: 01483 683948 Website: http//www.sgm.ac.uk Tel: 020 7598 1500 Fax: 020 7598 1545 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] SGM is the largest microbiological society in Website: http://www.surrey.ac.uk/ Website: www.soci.org Europe. The Society publishes four journals of The University of Surrey is one of the UK’s leading international standing, and organises regular SCI is an interdisciplinary network for science, professional, scientific and technological universities scientific meetings. commerce and industry. SCI attracts forward- looking people in process and materials with a world class research profile and a reputation SGM also promotes education and careers in technologies and in the biotechnology, energy, for excellence in teaching and learning. Ground- microbiology, and it is committed to represent water, agriculture, food, pharmaceuticals, breaking research at the University is bringing direct microbiology to government, the media and the construction, and environmental protection sectors benefit to all spheres of life - helping industry to public. worldwide. Members exchange ideas and gain maintain its competitive edge and creating new perspectives on markets, technologies, An information service on microbiological issues improvements in the areas of health, medicine, space strategies and people, through electronic and science, the environment, communications, ion concerning aspects of medicine, agriculture, physical specialist conferences and debates, and food safety, biotechnology and the environment publish journals, books and the respected beam and optoelectronics technology, visual multi is available on request. magazine Chemistry & Industry. media, defence and social policy.

Universities Federation for Animal Welfare

Contact: Dr James Kirkwood, Scientific Director The Old School, Brewhouse Hill Wheathampstead, Herts. AL4 8AN. Tel: 01582 831818. Fax: 01582 831414. Email: [email protected] Website: www.ufaw.org.uk Registered Charity No: 207996 UFAW is an internationally-recognized independent scientific and educational animal welfare charity. It works to improve animal lives by: • supporting animal welfare research. • educating and raising awareness of welfare issues in the UK and overseas. •producing the leading journal Animal Welfare and other high-quality publications on animal care and welfare. •providing expert advice to government departments and other concerned bodies.

Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 2 Whit 2005 59 Tuesday 7 June 19.00 Saturday 11 June 12.00 The promise of stem cells Heavenly music: the sounds of the Science Baroness Susan Greenfield, Prof Universe Christopher Higgins and Prof Yair By Professor Andy Fabian FRS and Dr Diary Reisner Carolin Crawford Wednesday 15 June 19.00 Public lecture as part of the Headline debate Cheltenham Festival of Science. Sheena McDonald, Robert Key MP and For tickets contact Cheltenham Box Robin McKie The Parliamentary and Office 01242 227979 Scientific Committee Thursday 23 June 19.00 Contact: Annabel Lloyd Monday 4 to Thursday 7 July The future of our memories 020 7222 7085 Mon 18.00-21.00; Tues-Thurs 10.00- Prof Neil Burgess, Prof Wendy Hall and www.scienceinparliament.org.uk 16.30 Dr Andy Miah The annual Summer Science Exhibition Monday 23 May 17.30 Monday 27 June 19.00 Election of Officers and AGM Transplants for tomorrow: raising Putting off the Evil Day - Mitigating hopes, saving lives Consequences of Ageing Dr Evan Harris, Keith Rigg and Dr Paul Royal Society of Chemistry Speakers: Professor Tom Kirkwood, Shiels Head of the Institute of Ageing, Contact: Dr Stephen Benn Newcastle University; Professor John Tuesday 28 June 19.00 0207 437 8656, [email protected] Lever, Head of the Department of Technology, society and the senses Bioengineering, Imperial College; Dr Kevin Carey, Ian Pearson and Prof Friday 24 June Reynold Greenlaw, Oxford Computer Brian Wynne Understanding Creativity Consultants London Wednesday 29 June 19.00 Monday 13 June 17.30 Dealing with diabetes Monday-Thursday 4-7 July The Nuclear Energy Option -Will we Prof Stephanie Amiel and Prof Andrew Formula IV: Frontiers in still need it and, if so, When? Hattersley Formulation Science Speakers: Lord Broers, Royal Academy University of London of Engineering; Sir Donald Miller, Past Friday 22 July 09.30–17.00 Chairman, Scottish Power; Ann Mild cognitive impairment Tuesday-Friday 5-8 July McCall, Head of Safety, Nirex; Godfrey For programme and confirmed MC7: Functional Materials for the Boyle, Director, Energy and speakers, please visit www.rigb.org 21st C Environment Research Unit, Open nearer the date. University of Edinburgh University Tickets (including lunch and refreshments) £35, £25 for Ri Members Monday-Wednesday 18-20 July Wednesday 22 June 10.00-13.30 and concessions. Analytical Research Forum Visit to London IDEAS Genetics University of Plymouth Knowledge Park The Royal Society Monday-Thursdsay 18-21 July Monday 11 July 17.30 6-9 Carlton House Terrace 19th International Symposium: Plastic Waste – Toxic Rubbish or London SW1Y 5AG Synthesis in Organic Chemistry Strategic Resource? Events held at the Royal Society unless University of Oxford Speakers to be confirmed otherwise stated. For further information visit www.royalsoc.ac.uk/events; The Royal Institution email [email protected] or 21 Albemarle Street, London W1S 4BS call 020 7451 2575. Royal Statistical Society For further information visit 12 Errol Street, London EC1Y 8LX www.rigb.org or Thursday 2 June 18.30 telephone 020 7409 2992 New views on human origins Monday 18 – Thursday 21 July Events held at the Royal Institution By Professor Chris Stringer FRS Statistics in Healthcare Unless otherwise stated tickets cost £8 Joint conference of the Royal Statistical (£5 concessions) Monday 6 and Tuesday 7 June (all day) Society and Statisticians in the Discussion Meeting Pharmaceutical Industry (PSI) Wednesday 1 June 19.00 Laser-driven plasma accelerators: City Hall, Cardiff Surviving Armageddon new sources of energetic particles Full details available from Prof Bill McGuire and radiation www.rss.org.uk/rsspsi2005

60 Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 2 Whit 2005 The Royal Society of Royal Pharmaceutical Edinburgh Society 22-26 George Street Contact: Judith Callanan Edinburgh EH2 2PQ. 020 7572 2261 Tel: 0131 240 5000 [email protected] Fax: 0131 240 5024 [email protected] Monday 27 - Tuesday 28 June www.royalsoced.org.uk PAT 2005 All events require registration and take Process understanding and place at the RSE. manufacturing science: translating the philosophy into reality Officers of the Parliamentary Monday 13 June 17.30 RPSGB, London How Safe are Vaccinations? & Scientific Committee* Professor Harry Burns Tuesday 12 July President: The Lord Soulsby of Use of antibiotics Swaffham Prior Monday 11 July 17.30 Joint symposium with SACAR and the Chairman: Mr Richard Page MP Climate Change: Apocalyptic, Much National Prescribing Centre Deputy Chairmen: Dr Douglas Naysmith MP ado about Nothing or Cause for RPSGB, London Concern The Rt Hon Lord Hunt of Wirral MBE Professor John Mitchell OBE FRS Wednesday 6 – Friday 8 July Hon Treasurer: Dr Brian Iddon MP International analytical validation and regulatory issues for the Hon Secretaries: Dr Desmond Turner MP SCI pharmaceuticals industry The Rev Martin Smyth MP 14/15 Belgrave Square 2 day course Vice-Presidents: Sir John Kingman FRS London SW1X 8PS Hilton, York. Dr Ian Gibson MP Contact: [email protected] or 020 7598 1562 The Rt Hon Lord Jenkin of Roding Unless otherwise stated events are at SCI Professor Alan Malcolm Wednesday 8 – Thursday 9 June Dr Richard Worswick In silico ADMET: Design of Bioactive Ms Sandra Gidley MP Compounds Mr Stephen Cox CVO Mr Peter Raymond MBE Tuesday 19 July Advisory Panel: Professor Jane Plant CBE Farming and the Environment (Vice-Chairman) Askham Bryan College, York Dr David Dent Professor Peter Saunders Secretariat: Professor Peter Simpson Mrs Annabel Lloyd

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

Editorial/Management Board: SCIENCE IN PARLIAMENT Published by the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee, 3 Birdcage Walk, London SW1H 9JJ. Dr Douglas Naysmith MP (Chairman) www.scienceinparliament.org.uk Sir Sydney Chapman MP Published four times a year. The 2005 subscription rate is £65.00. Single numbers £16.25 Mr Robert Freer ISSN 0263-6271 Dr Ashok Kumar MP All enquiries, including those from members wishing to take the front or back covers, advertise in the Professor Alan Malcolm journal or appear in the directory to Mrs Annabel Lloyd, Tel 020 7222 7085 Mr Andrew Miller MP Copyright ©2005 by Parliamentary and Scientific Committee. All rights reserved. None of the articles The Lord Soulsby of Swaffham Prior in this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form, or by Dr Peter Warren CBE 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 * before the Dissolution of Parliament for the General Election

Science in Parliament Vol 62 No 2 Whit 2005 61

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