Vallance promises guidance on disclosing CSA meetings

Government’s chief scientific adviser says failure to disclose frequency of meetings is “disappointing”

The government’s chief scientific adviser has promised new guidance after MPs complained that an apparent gagging order was preventing departments from disclosing the frequency with which scientific advisers meet with ministers.

Patrick Vallance’s promise follows a recent House of Commons science and technology committee session where its chair, Greg Clark, complained that his committee had “regularly put down questions in parliament as to how often ministers meet with the chief scientific adviser in the departments”.