Commons tech committee back in business

 

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By Richard Goodwin

Posted on 26 Jun 2009 at 17:54

A House of Commons vote has secured the return of the Science and Technology Committee, after it was abolished in 2007.

The renewed committee will return on 1 October, once the existing Innovation, Universities, Skills, and Science Committee (IUSS) has completed its current business.

"Science and technology have a vital role helping the country through the recession, and in achieving a stronger, sustainable economic future," claims Lord Drayson.

MPs initially raised concerns regarding the Government's policy on science and technology, as they felt its importance was being marginalised in the new Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS).

Nick Dusic, the director of the Campaign for Science and Engineering, who lobbied for the re-establishment, says: "Today's decision showed that there is strong support for proper scrutiny of science and engineering within Parliament."

"It is critical that future changes to Government do not result in the abolition of the Science and Technology Committee," he adds. "Today's decision corrects the mistake made in 2007 of abolishing the Committee."