AbstractThere is an increasing need for parliamentarians to be well-informed on scientific and technological issues. This requires that experts be available to advise. There are many problems inherent in the creation of such a service. It is important too to distinguish between the provision of scientific information and advice and the provision of policy analysis relating to scientific and technological issues. Parliaments need both services, together with critical, open well-informed debate, if they are to ensure serious scrutiny and control of the Executive.