43. We consider that a comprehensive statement of principles will help to delineate the roles of Government, scientific advisory committees and scientific advice to Government. In our view this is welcome. We consider that the principles need to be underpinned with administrative changes to ensure that they are effective.

44. In our view the principles published on 6 November fully accord with the thrust of the conclusions and recommendations made in our earlier Reports. We endorse and support the broad principles as proposed by Lord Rees and others and published by Sense About Science on 6 November 2009 and recommend a number of changes which we consider will clarify and enhance the application and operation of the principles.

45. We shall examine the Government's principles applying to the treatment of independent scientific advice provided to government when they are published. We may return to this issue before the end of the Parliament.