84. Our formal remit is to scrutinise the Office of Science and Technology and its responsible Ministers. We conclude that in 2003, the OST has in general carried out its functions commendably. Many of our criticisms relate to its apparent inability to punch its weight elsewhere in Government and the Science Minister's apparent unwillingness to involve himself in discussions in other Government Departments whose policy decisions threaten the health and vitality of the Research Base. The Chancellor has recently placed science and innovation at the heart of his plans for Spending Review 2004. The Science Minister should take this as his cue to make his presence more keenly felt throughout Government.