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MPs examine data disclosure from University of East Anglia

1 March 2010 (updated on 22 April 2010)

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The Science and Technology Committee holds an evidence session on the disclosure of climate data from the Climatic Research Unit at the University of East Anglia. Watch live from 3.00 pm

Witnesses

3pm

  • Lord Lawson of Blaby, Chairman, Global Warming Policy Foundation
  • Dr Benny Peiser, Director, Global Warming Policy Foundation

3.30pm

  • Richard Thomas CBE, former Information Commissioner

4pm

  • Professor Edward Acton, Vice-Chancellor, University of East Anglia
  • Professor Phil Jones, Director of the Climatic Research Unit

4.40pm

  • Sir Muir Russell, Head of the Independent Climate Change E-Mails Review

5pm

  • Professor John Beddington, Government Chief Scientific Adviser
  • Professor Julia Slingo OBE, Chief Scientist, Met Office
  • Professor Bob Watson, Chief Scientist, Defra

The Committee's inquiry is examining the unauthorised publication of data, emails and documents relating to the work of the Climatic Research Unit (CRU) at the University of East Anglia (UEA).

The Committee has made available all the evidence submissions it has received in this inquiry ahead of this evidence session.

Background

On 1 December 2009 Phil Willis, Chairman of the Science and Technology Committee, wrote to Professor Edward Acton, Vice-Chancellor of UEA following the considerable press coverage of the data, emails and documents relating to the work of the Climatic Research Unit (CRU). The coverage alleged that data may have been manipulated or deleted in order to produce evidence on global warming. On 3 December the UEA announced an Independent Review into the allegations to be headed by Sir Muir Russell.

The Independent Review will:

  • Examine the hacked e-mail exchanges, other relevant e-mail exchanges and any other information held at CRU to determine whether there is any evidence of the manipulation or suppression of data which is at odds with acceptable scientific practice and may therefore call into question any of the research outcomes.
  • Review CRU's policies and practices for acquiring, assembling, subjecting to peer review and disseminating data and research findings, and their compliance or otherwise with best scientific practice.
  • Review CRU's compliance or otherwise with the University's policies and practices regarding requests under the Freedom of Information Act ('the FOIA') and the Environmental Information Regulations ('the EIR') for the release of data.
  • Review and make recommendations as to the appropriate management, governance and security structures for CRU and the security, integrity and release of the data it holds.