Byers weighs in for science
15 Jan 2000
New Industry Secretary Stephen Byers plans to conquer a truly mountainous task - restoring public confidence in science.
`Science has been neglected for far too long by politicians of all parties,' said Byers at the BioIndustry Association's annual dinner. `British science is and must stay world-class, but without the public's support, our ability to lead in science-based industries will be put at risk.'
Byers' solution to this problem is to set up a ministerial group on science, to `ensure a consistent, integrated approach to science policy and the principles of using scientific advice across government.'
Byers is also to launch a public consultation exercise to understand and attempt to allay fears and uncertainties about biotechnology.
