Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies

Lord McFall of Alcluith Excerpts

Tuesday 28th April 2020 Lords Chamber

[Lord Callanan]

The committee includes many of the experts in all those fields. They are brought in, as recommended by the Chief Scientific Adviser, when their expertise in particular fields is required. There is a large, centrally held list of experts in all the appropriate fields. Of course, SAGE meets on other issues than Covid. On the advice of the Chief Medical Officer and the Chief Scientific Adviser, the appropriate experts are brought in to advise the Government when that is required.

[The Senior Deputy Speaker (Lord McFall of Alcluith)]

We cannot hear the noble Lord, Lord Marlesford, so we will move on.

[Baroness Healy of Primrose Hill (Lab)]

Today, the media reported—[Interruption.]

--- Later in debate ---

[Lord Callanan]

The noble Baroness should really direct that question to the Chief Scientific Adviser. This is a changeable pandemic. The science is changing and is being updated. Scientists will respond to the advice as necessary. Of course, the politics are driven by that scientific advice. She should not necessarily criticise the scientists if, in the light of new information, they decide that a new approach is needed. We should be responsive to that and thank them for their help.

[The Senior Deputy Speaker]

Did I hear the voice of the noble Lord, Lord Marlesford, during the previous question?

[Lord Marlesford (Con)]

You did. I want to comment on the question about Dominic Cummings. Does my noble friend the Minister agree that anyone who has worked in No. 10 knows that the better informed the Prime Minister’s personal staff can be on background policy decisions, the more use they are to the Prime Minister?

[Lord Callanan]

I totally agree. It is entirely right that No. 10 advisers—and, indeed, advisers and officials from other government departments—attend, to understand better the scientific debate and the decisions that then need to be taken. Surely we should all welcome a proper understanding of the science helping to drive the ultimate political decisions.

[The Senior Deputy Speaker]

My Lords, the time allowed for this Question has elapsed.