Memorandum submitted by
the Office of Science and Technology
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. We welcome this inquiry. Science is
becoming increasingly important in informing decision-making and
policy development and the Government needs to be sure that the
systems which it has in place can provide scientific advice in
a timely and effective manner. The Committee's views on Government
departments' efforts in this area will be a valuable contribution.
1.2. This memorandum has been prepared by
the Office of Science and Technology (OST) in consultation with
interested Departments of State. In line with the main areas of
the Committee's terms of reference, it looks at:
— the means by which Government uses
scientific advice to inform decision-making and policy development
(Section 2);
— the quality of the scientific advice
obtained (Section 3);
— establishing confidence in science
and its use in policy making (Section 4); and
— the organisation of scientific advice
to Government (Section 5).
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