Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies

Debate between Lord McFall of Alcluith and Lord Marlesford

Tuesday 28th April 2020 Lords Chamber

[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.