The Parliamentary and Scientific Committee

The Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST) is an office that provides independent and balanced analysis of public policy issues related to science and technology to both Houses of Parliament.

During the 1980's, the P&SC recognised the need for an organisation to help examine and present impartial information on S&T issues. POST was established in 1989 as a charitable foundation and became an internal office of both Houses in 1993. POST reports its activities in the P&SC Annual Report. POST policy objectives are overseen by a Board that includes 14 Parliamentarians from both Houses (roughly reflecting the balance of parties in the two Houses).

POST assists Parliament in the following ways:

• Publication of short briefing notes and longer analysis on S&T issues.
• Informal advice, initial oral briefings, data analysis and background papers for the Departmental Select Committees.
• Information to both Houses on public dialogue activities relating to S&T. POST also uses on-line discussions to help Parliament consider a broad spectrum of views on the current issues.
• Organisation of workshops and lectures.

POST consists of a team of specialist advisers, complemented by fellows, interns and external experts. These, along with the Board, review all reports before they are published. Industry, academia, government, regulators and NGO's may make an input to POSTreports.

POST covers four general areas:

• Biological Sciences and Health
• Physical Science and IT
• Environment and Energy
• Science Policy

Contact Details

Website:	www.parliament.uk/post
Address:	The Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology, 7 Millbank, Westminster, London, SW1P 3JA
Telephone:	020 7219 2840
Email:	post@parliament.uk