APPENDIX 13
Letter dated 8 June 2000 from Mrs Teresa
Gorman MP
re: POST
I understand that the future role of this organisation
is under review. I would like to see its advisory role expanded
and its expertise made more use of within Parliament.
You will not need me to tell you how many of
the current political issues are science based, for example climate
change, BSE and genetic engineering. There are very few people
in the House who are scientifically trained and while Ministerial
advisers are available, these are often drawn from pressure groups
with a particular axe to grind. Hence the importance of an in-House,
independent body like POST.
I therefore strongly urge you to continue the
work of POST but, much more importantly, to use their expertise
across a wider range of objective advice. They could provide an
invaluable safeguard when government is under overwhelming pressure
to act precipitously.
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