The Parliamentary and Scientific Committee

The House of Lords Select Committee on Science and Technology was appointed in 1980 with the function of carrying out inquiries into matters of science and technology with which Parliament ought to be concerned. Subjects for inquiry include:

• Areas where Parliament can help and stimulate the announcement and application of science and technology in the UK.
• Aspects of S&T in which the Government are, or should be involved.
• The work of statutory bodies involved in S&T.
• Areas where the interests of the public and S&T may conflict.
• Areas where there is a degree of public concern over issues of S&T.

Features of inquiries include:

• A mix of science and politics.
• Across boundaries of government departments (avoiding duplication with departmental select committees in the House of Commons).
• Strategic and long-term issues relating to science policy (as opposed to technology assessment).
• Avoidance of short term politically charged subjects.
• A wide range of science and technology subjects.

Committee recommendations are directed at Government, industry, the professions and other public bodies. The Committee has influence through (1) forcing Government to examine and defend its policy in writing to all Committee reports and during debates of the House, and (2) on occasion, amendments are made to bills on the basis of Committee recommendations.

Contact Details

Website:	www.parliament.uk/parliamentary_committees/Lords_s_t_select.cfm
Address:	Science and Technology Select Committee, Committee Office, 2 Millbank, House of Lords, London, SW1A 0PW
Telephone:	020 7219 6075
Email:	hlscience@parliament.uk