Select Committee on Science and Technology Minutes of Evidence



 (ii)   Building on advice, to provide a risk analysis

Expert Panel on Air Quality Standards

Chairman:

  Professor A Seaton.

Terms of Reference:

  To advise as required on the establishment and application of air quality standards in the UK, for purposes of developing policy on air pollution control and increasing public knowledge and understanding of air quality taking account of best available evidence of the effects of air pollution on human health and the wider environment, and of progressive development of the air quality monitoring network.

Ultraviolet Measurement and Impacts Review Group

Chairman:

  Dr E Webb.

Terms of Reference:

  To review current knowledge of the climatology of the biologically damaging UVB radiation of the UK and the environmental impacts of current levels of UVB; to assess the potential increases in UVB as a result of stratospheric ozone depletion over the UK and, building in published work, review the potential impacts of these, and to advise the Department on further research required. To provide the Department with the best possible current scientific assessment of UVB measurement and impacts for the UK, on which to base policy; and a thorough assessment of the severity of the consequences should current policies fail.

Environment Agency

Veterinary Products Committee

Chairperson:

  Professor I Aitken.

Terms of Reference:

    —  To give advice with respect to safety, quality and efficacy in relation to the veterinary use of any substance or article (not being an instrument, apparatus or appliance) to which any provision of the Medicines Act is applicable.

    —  To promote the collection of information relating to suspected adverse reactions for the purpose of enabling such advice to be given.

Pesticides Forum

Chairperson:

  Dr D Shannon.

Terms of Reference:

    —  To bring together the views of those concerned with the use and effects of pesticides.

    —  To identify their common interests and to assist in the effective dissemination of best practice, advances in technology and research and development results.

    —  To advise Government on the promotion and implementation of its policy relating to the responsible use of pesticides.

Pesticides in the Environment Working Group

Chairperson:

  Mr J Seager.

Terms of Reference:

    —  To promote liaison, co-operation and information exchange in relation to pesticides in the environment between pesticides regulators, producers and users.

    —  To consider and comment on draft reports concerning pollution from pesticides and in particular, an annual review by the Environment Agency of the incidence of pesticides in the aquatic environment.

    —  To consider and review monitoring programmes for pesticides, identify deficiencies and recommend improvements.

    —  To consider existing and proposed R&D programmes relating to pesticides; identify "knowledge gaps" and opportunities for collaborative action; and promote collaborative action; and promote effective dissemination and adoption of research findings.

    —  To consider relevant issues from constituent bodies and ensure effective dissemination of information.

    —  To collate and publish information on monitoring pesticides in the environment and make recommendations for priorities for action.

Diseases in Wildlife Working Group

Chairperson:

  Mr A Ferguson.

Terms of Reference:

  To consider:

    —  the possibility of greater co-ordination of current schemes and available resources;

    —  the development of protocols and guidelines for wildlife disease investigation;

    —  the feasibility of establishing systems to facilitate exchange of data/records among interested parties;

    —  the establishment of a register of tissues and sera banks to facilitate wildlife disease research;

    —  approaches to developing a suite of filed tests for monitoring health status in wild animals, and to help focus aims and resources.

Marine Pollution Management Group

UK Biodiversity Group

Terms of Reference:

    —  Co-ordination of the work of Country Groups in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, which promote and monitor the implementation of the agreed plans.

    —  Ensuring that the outstanding habitat and species action plans are prepared and follow common standards and agreed objectives, and are submitted to the Government for approval.

    —  Providing advice to Government on the UK dimension of the Biodiversity strategy.

    —  Reporting progress on the Biodiversity Action Plan to the Government and public.

Environmental Assessment Cooperative

Chairperson:

  Mr R Perryman.

Terms of Reference:

    —  Produce a "toolkit" that will help applicants to produce a satisfactory application under IPC.

    —  Provide guidance that applicants can apply to a particular process.

    —  Guidance is restricted to environmental analysis under Integrated Pollution Control in the UK.

Biocides Usage Group

Chairperson:

  Mr C Barden.

 Terms of Reference:

    —  Agreeing the factors which would contribute towards ensuring that the risks posed by biocides to people and the environment are at a minimum while maintaining effective control of pests;

    —  Advising on, and where appropriate progressing, initiatives in these areas;

    —  Advising on how initiatives might be promoted and uptake encouraged;

    —  Providing examples of existing good practice;

    —  Suggesting how the "strategy" could be monitored and shown to be effective; and

    —  Identifying and obtaining any data needed to underpin the above.


 
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