Question reference: S4W-29626
- Asked by: Nanette Milne, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 2 February 2016
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Current status: Answered by Alasdair Allan on 11 February 2016
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what scientific advice it has sought since the post of Chief Scientific Adviser for Scotland has been vacant, and who provided it.
Answer
Since the Chief Scientific Adviser (CSA) post was vacated the remaining chief scientists, covering health and rural affairs, food and the environment, continue to carry out key tasks that would usually be done by the CSA for Scotland.
The Scottish Government remains committed to drawing on the very best science advice and expertise. Ministers and officials continue to draw upon a range of science advice and expertise across all policy areas including, but not confined to, the Chief Medical Officer, the Chief Scientist (health), the Chief Scientific Adviser (Rural Affairs, Food and Environment), and the Chief Veterinary Officer. Advice is also routinely available from Marine Scotland and Science Advice for Scottish Agriculture. Such advice covers developments and issues that affect a range of policy areas.
New members of the Scottish Science Advisory Council, appointed as of 1 February 2016, will also provide scientific advice to Scottish Government and their first meeting will be on 4 March 2016.