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Amid rumours that the UK Government is planning to scrap the House of Commons Select Committee on Science and Technology and replace it with a committee that would be part of the newly created Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills, members of the current committee, and some commentators in the scientific world, have voiced concerns about such a move. They fear that the new committee would have less independence and a narrower remit than the current one and would therefore be unable to comment critically on scientific issues across the whole of government.

The cross-party Science and Technology Committee has produced reports on a wide range of often contentious issues, including genetics and insurance, human reproductive technologies, and the work of the Medical Research Council. The Government is obliged to issue a formal response to all Select Committee reports. While some of the Committee’s reports have been criticised as lacking a firm evidence base or representing the strongly held views of a few particularly vocal members, they have nevertheless kept science policy in the spotlight of parliamentary interest and scrutiny. In answer to a question on the Government’s plans by MP Evan Harris on 12 July, the Leader of the House, Harriet Harman said “There is discussion on the future of the Science and Technology Select Committee in the light of the changes to the machinery of government affecting schools, children and universities. Those discussions are ongoing and, should there be any change, an announcement would no doubt have to be made to the House and voted on, if necessary”.