That this House congratulates the Royal Society of Chemistry for its pioneering organisation of the event, Science and the General Election 2010, to be held in the Attlee Suite on 9 March 2010 at 7.30pm; recognises that the Society has organised this debate on science `to serve the public interest' in conjunction with the House of Commons Select Committee on Science and Technology and major UK science and engineering organisations including the Royal Society, the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Institute of Physics, the Society of Biology, the Campaign for Science and Engineering, the Geological Society, the Royal Astronomical Society and others; acknowledges the growing interest in debating science and engineering issues prior to the General Election; recognises that science and engineering will play a vitally important part in a wide range of issues facing the next Parliament and the next Government; and hopes that right hon. and hon. Members from all sides of the House and members of the science and engineering community will be able to benefit from listening to the Parliamentary representatives of the major parties who will be taking part in this debate.

That this House congratulates the Royal Society of Chemistry for its pioneering organisation of the event, Science and the General Election 2010, to be held in the Attlee Suite on 9 March 2010 at 7.30pm; recognises that the Society has organised this debate on science `to serve the public interest'...

That this House greatly welcomes the special scientific exhibition entitled SET for BRITAIN to be held in the Palace of Westminster on 8 March 2010 as a contribution to this year's National Science and Engineering Week; notes that this event in the Terrace Marquee is designed to strengthen the dialogue between Parliament and the science and engineering community; further notes that there will be three consecutive sessions incorporating a total of 180 scientific posters by early-stage and early-career researchers covering the physical sciences, chemistry and physics, engineering, and the biological and biomedical sciences; further notes that prizes will be awarded to those posters judged the best in each scientific discipline; encourages all right hon. and hon. Members to visit this exhibition to see at first hand the outstandingly high quality of research being carried out in UK universities; pays tribute to the late Dr Eric Wharton who founded this event a decade ago; greatly welcomes the co-operation in organising SET for BRITAIN of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee, the Royal Society of Chemistry, the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Institute of Physics, the Society of Biology and others; and further notes that the success of the UK, in the competitive knowledge economy of the 21st century will depend on its world-class scientific and engineering expertise.

That this House greatly welcomes the special scientific exhibition entitled SET for BRITAIN to be held in the Palace of Westminster on 8 March 2010 as a contribution to this year's National Science and Engineering Week; notes that this event in the Terrace Marquee is designed to strengthen the dialogue...

That this House welcomes and supports National Science and Engineering Week, 12 to 21 March 2010 and the What on Earth nature-spotting project to highlight biodiversity in the UK; calls on the public to go out into parks and gardens and to rediscover and appreciate the wealth of biodiversity around them; notes the International Year of Biodiversity 2010 and the work of hundreds of schools, community groups, science centres and museums across the country which are organising events and activities in celebration of National Science and Engineering Week; and welcomes the continuing support for science, technology, engineering and mathematics by hon. Members from all sides of the House.

That this House welcomes and supports National Science and Engineering Week, 12 to 21 March 2010 and the What on Earth nature-spotting project to highlight biodiversity in the UK; calls on the public to go out into parks and gardens and to rediscover and appreciate the wealth of biodiversity around...

That this House welcomes and supports The Big Bang 2010: UK Young Scientists' and Engineers' Fair taking place on 11 to 13 March 2010 which will include the finals of the National Science and Engineering Competition; notes that over 15,000 students have already registered to attend the free event, which will include a wide range of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) projects on display; and believes that the study of STEM is crucial to ensure Britain's future prosperity and success.

That this House welcomes and supports The Big Bang 2010: UK Young Scientists' and Engineers' Fair taking place on 11 to 13 March 2010 which will include the finals of the National Science and Engineering Competition; notes that over 15,000 students have already registered to attend the free event, which...

That this House welcomes the Government's decision to ask the Training and Development Agency to review the Qualified Teacher Status standards; notes that the number of school students choosing to study physical science subjects post-16 has fallen over the last 25 years and that many studies have indicated a major decline in positive attitudes from students towards science; further notes the report, Initial Teacher Education and the Outdoor Classroom produced jointly by the Field Studies Council (FSC) and the Association for Science Education (ASE) and its recommendations, commonly known as the Malham Protocol, which seeks to reverse this trend; recognises that outdoor learning helps young people learn about assessing and managing risk and is an inspirational approach to teaching science; further notes with concern that there are currently a number of barriers to improving fieldwork, including Initial Teacher Training, which is not working effectively enough to help produce sufficient numbers of high quality teachers with the confidence, competence and commitment to teach outdoor science to the next generation of children and young people; further notes with concern that Qualified Teacher Status standard 30 only requires that trainee teachers should be able to identify opportunities for out-of-school learning, with no requirement for trainees to plan, organise, take part in, and lead outdoor learning activities; congratulates the FSC and the ASE on their work to improve teacher training; and calls for Qualified Teacher Status standard 30 to be strengthened in order to provide an incentive for fieldwork to be used as a teaching method.

That this House welcomes the Government's decision to ask the Training and Development Agency to review the Qualified Teacher Status standards; notes that the number of school students choosing to study physical science subjects post-16 has fallen over the last 25 years and that many studies have indicated a major...

That this House welcomes the high quality of entries for the National Science and Engineering Competition, which closed on 30 October 2009; applauds the innovation, imagination and understanding of all the young people who entered the competition; appreciates the dedication of teachers in inspiring these young people; looks forward to The Big Bang: UK Young Scientists' and Engineers' Fair in Manchester on 11 to 13 March 2010 which will include the finals of the competition; and welcomes the continuing support of hon. Members from across the House for science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

That this House welcomes the high quality of entries for the National Science and Engineering Competition, which closed on 30 October 2009; applauds the innovation, imagination and understanding of all the young people who entered the competition; appreciates the dedication of teachers in inspiring these young people; looks forward to...

That this House disagrees with the Government's decision that the Forensic Science Service (FSS) site at Chorley is to close; views the announcement as a retrograde step in light of the Prime Minister's speech to the Labour Party conference in September 2009 in which he linked Home Office cuts and the ability to process vital DNA evidence directly to an increase in violent crime; notes that Chorley FSS serves the largest crime region in the country; and calls for this decision to be reversed or at the very least put on hold until a full and thorough impact assessment has been carried out across the FSS.

That this House disagrees with the Government's decision that the Forensic Science Service (FSS) site at Chorley is to close; views the announcement as a retrograde step in light of the Prime Minister's speech to the Labour Party conference in September 2009 in which he linked Home Office cuts and...

That this House applauds the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) for its commitment to encourage an interest in science among young people; applauds the efforts that are being made throughout the United Kingdom, especially by teachers in primary and secondary schools, to revitalise the science curriculum and to convey the excitement of science to pupils and students; further notes that on 28 October the prestigious RSC Bill Bryson Science Prize will be presented by the celebrated author himself, together with the RSC President-Elect Professor David Phillips, to Jamie Addison, Max Angel, Hector Duncan, Kinnari Patel, Annie Pilsworth, and Mia Pugsley (primary school winners) of Whitehill Junior School in Hitchin, supported by their teacher Ms Aline Dickinson; to Kieran Gajraj, Henry Grantham, George Hallas, Joss Hiett, Natascha Matten, Jessica Morgan, Katie Roberts, Jeremy Soper, Jamie Willman and Hugh Willman (secondary school winners) of Taunton School in Devon, supported by their teacher Dr James Penny; and to Charlotte Benwell, Ruth Blake-Lobb, Jamie Couch, Stephanie Errington, Daniel Finnerty, Katherine House, Alexander Locock, Hannah McArthur, Patricia McCarthy, Adam Morris, Connor Pote, Lucy Prior, Sophie Rowntree and Samuel Tucker (overall winners) of Ridgeway School in Plymouth, supported by their teacher Mrs Karen Findlay; applauds the students' outstanding entries in the RSC Bill Bryson science competition; and further notes the unrivalled contribution that the study of chemistry and the chemical sciences have made and continue to make to our understanding of nature, to the quality of life, and to the knowlege economy of the 21st century.

That this House applauds the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) for its commitment to encourage an interest in science among young people; applauds the efforts that are being made throughout the United Kingdom, especially by teachers in primary and secondary schools, to revitalise the science curriculum and to convey the...

That this House recognises that the closure or the Council for the Registration of Forensic Practitioners (CRFP) on 31 March 2009, mid-way through the Government's consultation into the future regulation of forensic practitioners, has left a hiatus in regulation; further recognises the important role that forensic scientists play in providing expert witness in the criminal and civil courts; is concerned that the 3,000 practitioners, covering 29 specialties of forensic science, who are registered with the CRFP are no longer regulated; and believes that as the Government looks to design a new regulatory model that a robust and thorough debate around the future of the sector is required.

That this House recognises that the closure or the Council for the Registration of Forensic Practitioners (CRFP) on 31 March 2009, mid-way through the Government's consultation into the future regulation of forensic practitioners, has left a hiatus in regulation; further recognises the important role that forensic scientists play in providing...

That this House acknowledges the magnificent contribution to science made by Greenock-born inventor James Watt; notes that since 1889 his surname has been used internationally to denote a unit of power; is therefore dismayed at moves by the European Union to replace the traditional Watt measurement with the Lumen; is concerned that this may lead to confusion among consumers; believes that this runs contrary to recent moves to celebrate the achievement of British scientists; and calls on the Government to block this proposal and ensure that the Watt remains a common unit of power.

That this House acknowledges the magnificent contribution to science made by Greenock-born inventor James Watt; notes that since 1889 his surname has been used internationally to denote a unit of power; is therefore dismayed at moves by the European Union to replace the traditional Watt measurement with the Lumen; is...

That this House congratulates the Royal Society of Chemistry on holding its Parliamentary Links Day on 24 June 2009 on the theme of science and global security; welcomes the society's commitment to serve the public interest by improving the access of all hon. Members to scientific information and a better understanding of science; notes the keynote address by the right hon. Hilary Benn MP, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; notes that other speakers include Professor Dave Garner, President of the Royal Society of Chemistry, Lord Rees of Ludlow, President of the Royal Society, Dr Scott Steedman, Vice President of the Royal Academy of Engineering, Professor Paul Monks, Royal Society of Chemistry, Professor Alan Malcolm, Chief Executive of the Institute of Biology, Mr Alan Pratt, Vice President of the Institute of Physics, Dr Richard Herrington of the Geological Society, and welcomes the participation of the hon. Member for Windsor, Shadow Minister for Science and Innovation, the hon. Member for Harrogate, Chair of the Select Committee on Innovation, Universities, Science and Skills, and Professor John Beddington, the Government's Chief Scientific Adviser; further notes that the Parliamentary Links Day is an established and respected event on the annual Parliamentary calendar; further notes that the Royal Society of Chemistry's pioneering Parliamentary Link Scheme, pairing scientists with Members, is open to right hon. and hon. Members on all sides of the House; and further welcomes the continuing contribution that the Parliamentary Links Day makes to strengthening the dialogue between Parliament and the science and engineering community.

That this House congratulates the Royal Society of Chemistry on holding its Parliamentary Links Day on 24 June 2009 on the theme of science and global security; welcomes the society's commitment to serve the public interest by improving the access of all hon. Members to scientific information and a better...

That this House notes with concern that the number of school students choosing to study physical science subjects post-16 has fallen over the last 25 years; recognises the significant contribution that outdoor learning makes to increasing students' enthusiasm for science and helping them on their way to becoming the new scientists of the future; notes with concern that there are currently a number of barriers to improving fieldwork, including Initial Teacher Training which is not working effectively enough to help produce sufficient numbers of high quality teachers with confidence, competence and commitment to teach outdoor science to the next generation of children and young people; further notes with concern that Qualified Teacher Status standard 30 only requires that trainee teachers should be able to identify opportunities for out-of-school learning, with no requirement for trainees to plan, organise, take part in, and lead outdoor learning activities; congratulates the Field Studies Council (FSC), an environmental education charity committed to helping people understand and be inspired by the natural world, on its campaign to improve teacher training; and calls on the Department for Children, Schools and Families to support the FSC's campaign to introduce minimum standards in Initial Teacher Training and urgently to review Qualified Teacher Status standard 30.

That this House notes with concern that the number of school students choosing to study physical science subjects post-16 has fallen over the last 25 years; recognises the significant contribution that outdoor learning makes to increasing students' enthusiasm for science and helping them on their way to becoming the new...

That this House notes with concern the announcement made by the Forensic Science Service of a restructuring of the business which will lead to redundancies with an estimated 30 to 40 per cent. of the workforce due to lose their jobs; recognises the first class service provided by the Forensic Science Service which is the market leader in the supply of forensic services to police forces in England and Wales and which has a global reputation for excellence in the developement and deployment of new and advanced techniques; further notes that the Forensic Science Service provides world class training services which all help to provide a comprehensive service, from crime scene to court room, and analyses more than 120,000 cases each year; believes that large job losses will damage this service and result in a loss of valuable skills; and calls on the Government to enter discussions immediately with the Forensic Science Service in order to avoid unnecessary job losses and maintain the skill base which ensure the Forensic Science Service is a world leader.

That this House notes with concern the announcement made by the Forensic Science Service of a restructuring of the business which will lead to redundancies with an estimated 30 to 40 per cent. of the workforce due to lose their jobs; recognises the first class service provided by the Forensic...

That this House greatly welcomes the special scientific exhibition entitled SET for BRITAIN which is being held in the Palace of Westminster as part of this year's National Science and Engineering Week; notes that this event in the Commons Terrace marquee is designed to strengthen the dialogue between Parliament and the science and engineering community; further notes that there will be three consecutive sessions incorporating a total of 180 scientific posters by early-stage and early-career researchers covering the biological and biomedical sciences, the physical sciences (chemistry and physics), and engineering; further notes that prizes will be awarded to those posters judged the best in each scientific discipline; encourages all right hon. and hon. Members to visit this exhibition to see at first hand the outstandingly high quality of research which is being carried out in British universities; pays tribute to the late Dr Eric Wharton who founded this event a decade ago; and greatly welcomes the co-operation in organising SET for BRITAIN of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee, the Royal Society of Chemistry, the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry, the Institute of Physics, the Institute of Biology and others; and further notes that the success of the UK in the competitive knowledge economy of the 21st century is going to depend on its world-class scientific and engineering expertise.

That this House greatly welcomes the special scientific exhibition entitled SET for BRITAIN which is being held in the Palace of Westminster as part of this year's National Science and Engineering Week; notes that this event in the Commons Terrace marquee is designed to strengthen the dialogue between Parliament and...

That this House congratulates the Royal Society of Chemistry on organising Voice of the Future 2009 on 10 March at the House and on its continuing commitment under its Royal Charter to serve the public interest by seeking to assist hon. Members with a better understanding of science; notes that Voice of the Future 2009 is taking place during National Science and Engineering Week and involves young scientists and engineers from all over the UK, including A Level science students from Holland Park School, Wallington High School, St Olave's School, Queen's Park Community School, Chiswick Community School and Westminster School; further notes that the event will be addressed by both the Minister for Science and Innovation and the Shadow Minister for Innovation, Universities and Skills; further notes the special Science Question Time with hon. Members on the Select Committee on Innovation, Universities, Science and Skills; applauds the involvement in this event of many of the UK's greatest science and engineering organisations, including the Royal Society, the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Institute of Physics, the Institute of Biology, the Biosciences Federation, the Council for the Mathematical Sciences, the Geological Society and many other organisations, including the Campaign for Science and Engineering; welcomes the expertise and assistance that these eminent bodies can give to Parliament; and further welcomes the contribution that Voice of the Future 2009 can make to building and maintaining a constructive dialogue between Parliament and the younger generation of scientists and engineers.

That this House congratulates the Royal Society of Chemistry on organising Voice of the Future 2009 on 10 March at the House and on its continuing commitment under its Royal Charter to serve the public interest by seeking to assist hon. Members with a better understanding of science; notes that...

That this House celebrates the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin; notes that this great Englishman was born and educated in Shrewsbury; and further notes that Shrewsbury is one of England's greatest educational and cultural towns.

That this House celebrates the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin; notes that this great Englishman was born and educated in Shrewsbury; and further notes that Shrewsbury is one of England's greatest educational and cultural towns.

That this House looks forward to The Big Bang, the first annual UK Young Scientists and Engineers Fair on 4 to 6 March 2009, which will include the finals of the new National Science Competition; notes the importance of The Big Bang's key objectives to raise the profile of young people's innovation and achievement and to encourage a new generation of talented scientists and engineers; is delighted to welcome members of the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) community to the House for a reception on 27 January 2009; supports what promises to be a successful event; and hopes that many more young people will discover the huge range of opportunities that exist for them in science and engineering in the UK.

That this House looks forward to The Big Bang, the first annual UK Young Scientists and Engineers Fair on 4 to 6 March 2009, which will include the finals of the new National Science Competition; notes the importance of The Big Bang's key objectives to raise the profile of young...

That this House notes the extraordinary achievements of Charles Darwin; notes that 2009 marks both the 200th anniversary of Darwin's birth and the 150th anniversary of the publication of On the Origin of Species; welcomes proposals for the creation of a Darwin Day in recognition of the ground-breaking work of the British scientist responsible for the theory of evolution by natural selection; and calls for Darwin's birthday, 12 February, to be designated a public holiday in honour of one of the fathers of modern science and one of Britain's greatest, if not the greatest, scientific minds.

That this House notes the extraordinary achievements of Charles Darwin; notes that 2009 marks both the 200th anniversary of Darwin's birth and the 150th anniversary of the publication of On the Origin of Species; welcomes proposals for the creation of a Darwin Day in recognition of the ground-breaking work of...

That this House welcomes plans for The Big Bang, the first annual UK Young Scientists and Engineers Fair on 4th to 6th March 2009 which will include the finals of the new National Science Competition; looks forward to this event that will bring together young people from across the country to celebrate their achievements and highlight the contributions of science and engineering to the United Kingdom as a whole; applauds its key objectives to raise the profile of young people's innovation and achievement and to encourage a new generation of talented scientists and engineers; and hopes that many more young people will discover the huge range of opportunities that exist for them in science and engineering in the UK.

That this House welcomes plans for The Big Bang, the first annual UK Young Scientists and Engineers Fair on 4th to 6th March 2009 which will include the finals of the new National Science Competition; looks forward to this event that will bring together young people from across the country...

That this House congratulates the Indian Space Research Organisation on launching its first unmanned space craft, Chandayaan-1, on an historic mission to the moon; applauds India for its noble aspirations which will contribute to the scientific knowledge and understanding of all nations; welcomes the massive investment this $79 million project represents for the common global wealth of knowledge; and looks forward to the achievement of plans to send an astronaut into space by 2014 and a manned mission to the moon by 2020.

That this House congratulates the Indian Space Research Organisation on launching its first unmanned space craft, Chandayaan-1, on an historic mission to the moon; applauds India for its noble aspirations which will contribute to the scientific knowledge and understanding of all nations; welcomes the massive investment this $79 million project...