Core tasks and objectives
Box 1: Committee objectives and
core tasks
OBJECTIVE A: To examine and comment
on science and technology policy
Task 1: To
examine policy proposals from the UK Government and the European
Commission and other outputs from the Office of Science and Technology
Task 2: To
conduct inquiries as appropriate, identifying and examining areas
of emerging policy, or where existing policy is deficient, and
making proposals
Task 3: To
scrutinise legislation and proposed legislation on science and
technology matters
OBJECTIVE B: Government expenditure
on science and technology
Task 4: To
examine the expenditure plans and outturn of the Department of
Trade and Industry, so far as it relates to science and technology,
and of the Research Councils
Task 5: To
examine other Government Departments' expenditure on research
and advice on science and technology
Task 6: To
monitor European Union expenditure on scientific research
OBJECTIVE C: Administration of the
Office of Science and Technology and the Research Councils
Task 7: To
examine the Office of Science and Technology's objectives and
performance
Task 8: To
monitor the work of the Research Councils
Task 9: To
scrutinise major appointments made by the Secretary of State for
Trade and Industry
Task 10: To
examine the implementation of legislation and major policy initiatives,
following up earlier Reports by the Committee
Task 11: To
hold Ministers to account
OBJECTIVE D: To assist the House
in debate and decision
Task 12: To
produce Reports informing the House on science and technology
matters and of the science perspective on public policy issues,
some of them being suitable for debate in the House, including
Westminster Hall, or in debating committees
Committee visits
Table 3: Committee visits in 2004
