Written question asked by Hugh Bayley (Labour) on Monday, 23 November 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 25 November 2009. It was answered by Pat McFadden (Labour) on Wednesday, 9 December 2009 on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

Departmental Scientists

Question: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how many (a) scientific advisers and (b) civil servants in scientific posts there are in his Department.

Answer: Professor Brian Collins is the Chief Scientific Adviser for the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. He draws upon science and engineering expertise as necessary from within the department and externally.There are 197 civil servants in BIS and its agencies who have signed up to the Government Science and Engineering network, which is for civil servants who identify themselves as scientists and/or engineers, or who work in posts which demand science or engineering skills.

Secondary information