Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Evan Harris (Liberal Democrat). It was answered by Ian Lucas (Labour) on Thursday, 14 January 2010 on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

Libel Laws (Science Sector)

Question: What recent discussions he has had with ministerial colleagues on the effects on the science sector of libel laws.

Answer: Ministers at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills have held no recent discussions with ministerial colleagues on the effects of libel laws on the science sector. The Justice Secretary leads on the issue of libel law. Professor Beddington, the Government's chief scientific adviser, and officials are in discussions with colleagues from the Ministry of Justice to ensure that science and engineering receive appropriate attention in their consideration of libel law.

Secondary information