Publications 2004

234- Marine nature conservation (pdf 114KB)
Four page POSTnote, December 2004
Nearly half of the UK's species are found in its seas. Despite this, it is widely accepted that protection of the marine environment has lagged behind that of the land. The Government has recently completed a review of marine nature conservation and has announced its intention to publish a marine bill to better manage and protect the marine environment. This POSTnote examines the current state of knowledge about UK marine wildlife, the methods available for its conservation, and issues surrounding effective conservation.

233- Digital television (pdf 136KB)
Four page POSTnote, December 2004
Digital technology is changing the way television is broadcast and watched, with more channels, interactive services and easier recording. The Government is committed to turning the analogue terrestrial television signal off, starting within the next four years, so eventually all television broadcasting will be digital. Over 55% of UK households already receive digital television, but there are many issues that need to be addressed before the switch over to digital is completed. This POSTnote looks at the implications of and progress towards digital switchover.

232-UK health impacts of climate change (pdf 134KB)
Four page POSTnote, November 2004
How we respond to climate change, both globally and in the UK, is an issue of public concern. To date, the main focus has been on the likely environmental and economic outcomes. However, there is growing recognition that there may be significant impacts from climate change on human health. This POSTnote outlines the potential impacts of climate change on health in the UK and examines the options open to public policy makers.

231-Organ transplants (pdf 122KB)
Four page POSTnote, October 2004
People awaiting organ transplants considerably exceeds the organs available. This POSTnote describes the 'organ gap' - the extent to which demand for organ (and tissue) transplantation exceeds the availability of transplantable organs. It examines the pros and cons of various options for increasing donation rates including 'opt-in' (the current UK scheme) and 'opt-out' (presumed consent) and considers the use of these systems in other countries. Potential alternative treatments for the future, such as stem cell therapies, will not be discussed in this note.

230-The future of UK gas supplies (pdf 158KB)
Four page POSTnote, October 2004
The UK's gas reserves are declining. Government and industry analysts estimate that by around 2006 the UK will no longer be self-sufficient in gas production and will revert to being a net gas importer. Gas is the largest proportion of the UK's primary energy supply, and gas-fired power plants are the main method of power generation. The UK will increasingly depend on gas imported from Europe and further afield. This POSTnote examines the UK's options for dealing with a diminishing domestic gas supply and for ensuring future gas security.

229-EU chemicals policy (pdf 136KB)
Four page POSTnote, September 2004
New chemicals marketed in the EU have to undergo stringent safety assessments to evaluate their potential health and environmental impacts. The majority of chemicals that have been on the market for some time ("existing chemicals") have not undergone such strict assessments. New proposals (REACH - Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of CHemicals) currently before the European Parliament are designed to eliminate the differences between existing and new chemicals, and to address concerns over the potential effects of chemical exposure on human health and the environment. This briefing describes the proposals and examines issues such as the likely impact of REACH on competitiveness, world trade and animal welfare.

228-Drug tests (pdf 144KB)
Four page POSTnote, September 2004
The increasing availability and use of screening tests for illegal drugs is an important issue for government and the public, receiving considerable attention recently. Drug testing may be used in the workplace, schools, the criminal justice system and privately. This briefing looks at the prevalence of drug use, the types of test currently available and their reliability, the extent of their use, and examines the issues that arise.

227-NHS genetic testing (pdf 144KB)
Four page POSTnote, July 2004
The sequencing of the human genome has generated large amounts of genetic data. Research is now focused on the difficult task of translating these raw data into clinically useful information and therapies. New genetic tests are considered by some as likely to be among the first applications. This POSTnote looks at the prospects for genetic tests and testing technology and examines a series of policy, organisational and ethical issues raised by current and possible applications.

226-Dyslexia & dyscalculia (pdf 120KB)
Four page POSTnote, July 2004
Dyslexia is a learning difficulty involving problems in acquiring literacy skills. Dyscalculia involves specific difficulties in acquiring arithmetical skills. Dyslexic and dyscalculic learners may have educational needs that differ from those of other learners. Strategies to improve literacy and numeracy might therefore benefit from taking these groups into account. This POSTnote presents recent research on dyslexia and dyscalculia and outlines current educational policies relating to both. It also examines issues such as early identification and ongoing support for dyslexic and dyscalculic students throughout their education.

225-Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) (pdf 127KB)
Four page POSTnote, July 2004
Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology provides a means of automatic identification. It is already widely used in animal tagging and electronic payment, such as Transport for London ‘Oyster Cards'. Many other potential applications such as improving supply chain efficiency and reducing crime are being investigated. This note provides an overview of the technology, its current and prospective uses, and outlines the factors limiting its uptake. It then discusses measures being taken to address growing concerns over privacy.

224-The European Research Area (pdf 130KB)
Four page POSTnote, July 2004
Research and development (R&D) is central to UK and European Union (EU) policy to build a competitive, knowledge based, economy. EU policy is focused on the development of the European Research Area (ERA) and an initiative to raise average research expenditure to 3% GDP by 2010. This note examines the extent to which involvement in the European Research Area may help the UK to achieve its own R&D goals.

223-Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) (pdf 122KB)
Four page POSTnote, July 2004
SEA is the subject of new legislation coming into force on 20 July 2004, implementing a European Directive. It requires environmental effects to be taken into account by authorities during the preparation of plans and programmes in the fields of land-use, transport, waste and water management, energy, and a range of other sectors. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) laid UK Regulations before Parliament on 29 June. This briefing outlines the aims, scope and requirements of the legislation, and the implications for plan- and programme-makers and other parties.

222 - Assessing the risk of terrorist attacks on nuclear facilities (pdf 119KB)
Four page POST report summary, July 2004
Full report (1.4MB) (pdf 1.4MB) (pdf 1.4MB)
148 page POST report, July 2004
Assessing the risk of terrorist attacks on nuclear facilities In recent years there has been increased awareness of the risk of terrorist attacks on nuclear facilities, which could have widespread consequences for the environment and for public health. This POSTnote is a summary of a longer report on this issue, which has been prepared by POST, following a request from the House of Commons Defence Select Committee in July 2002 in its report on Defence and Security in the UK.

221-Regulating stem cell therapies (pdf 118KB)
Four page POSTnote, June 2004
As research on human stem cells continues apace, new frameworks may be required to regulate their use. Such cells can be used as medicines, as transplants or transfusions to regenerate organs and tissues, or in conjunction with more advanced therapies such as gene therapy. Some of these applications are already subject to strict regulation; others are not. This briefing examines recent developments in this field and considers future regulatory options.

220-Handling uncertainty in scientific advice (pdf 141KB)
Four page POSTnote, June 2004
Handling risk and uncertainty in the fields of science and technology (S&T) underpins much of the work of government and its scientific advisory system. There have recently been moves to develop a more sophisticated understanding of scientific uncertainty and its treatment. This POSTnote looks at how uncertainty is best handled in the provision of scientific advice, in decision-making and in communicating with the public.

219-Vaccines and public health (pdf 118KB)
Four page POSTnote, June 2004
Public anxiety over the MMR vaccine led to decreased MMR uptake and a rise in measles cases. Although latest figures suggest this trend may be changing, public concerns about vaccination could affect the future success of immunisation programmes. This POSTnote summarises trends in outbreaks of disease and vaccine uptake within the UK. Issues addressed include public attitudes, vaccine availability and vaccine safety.

218-Speed cameras (pdf 138KB)
Four page POSTnote, May 2004
Speed cameras are a key part of the government's strategy for reducing road casualties. There are over 6,000 speed camera sites in the UK. Their use generates widespread debate, with 55 questions posed in Parliament in 2004 alone. This briefing provides an overview of UK speed enforcement policy, focussing on speed cameras. It discusses evidence of their effectiveness and related factors such as causes of road crashes, problems identifying offenders, and public attitudes to camera use. Areas of public concern, such as accusations of revenue raising, are also discussed.

217-Teenage sexual health (pdf 119KB)
Four page POSTnote, April 2004
Recent reports have drawn attention to the increasing prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the UK. This trend has been most apparent in young people aged 16-19. STIs are associated with several potentially serious health outcomes, including infertility and cervical cancer. This briefing describes recent trends in the sexual health of 16-19 year olds, discusses potential contributing factors and analyses two major Government initiatives in this area.

216-Scientific capacity in developing countries (pdf 120KB)
Four page POSTnote, March 2004
Poverty, disease and environmental degradation hamper development in many countries and science and technology (S&T) can contribute towards addressing these problems. However, many developing countries have limited capacity to identify where and how S&T can help to tackle their problems. Development agencies, including the UK Department for International Development (DfID) are looking at ways to assist developing countries to build their S&T capacity as part of reducing poverty. This briefing outlines the link between science, technology and development, and efforts to build developing countries' S&T capacities.

215-Openness and animal procedures (pdf 117KB)
Four page POSTnote, February 2004
A number of developments - including the introduction of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 - have led to calls for more openness about the costs and benefits of animal procedures. This could require modification of the Animal (Scientific Procedures) Act (A(SP)A) 1986, which restricts disclosure of confidential information about animal procedures. This POSTnote looks at the pros and cons of greater openness, and analyses ways in which greater openness could be achieved.

214-New NHS IT (pdf 119KB)
Four page POSTnote, February 2004
The Government has recently signed contracts for a £6 billion modernisation of NHS computer systems in England. This national IT programme has four main parts: electronic patient records, electronic appointment bookings and electronic transmission of prescriptions, along with an upgraded NHS broadband network. However, it involves both managing a large IT procurement and imposing change on the highly devolved NHS. This POSTnote outlines the main projects in the national programme and their potential benefits, then examines key concerns, such as confidentiality, funding and involving clinicians.

213-Climate change and business (pdf 124KB)
Four page POSTnote, January 2004
The Government's Climate Change Programme (CCP) is aimed at reducing UK emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) by a fifth, against 1990 levels, by 2010. Several of the measures included in the programme specifically target emissions from business. This briefing outlines those elements of the CCP relevant to business and their impact on reducing CO2 emissions. It also discusses how the business community has responded to the CCP and outlines options to make policies more effective.

212-Environmental policy and innovation (pdf 120KB)
Four page POSTnote, January 2004
The Government has recently published a strategy for innovation. This identified the opportunity for linking environmental policy and innovation. The development and uptake of innovative ways to reduce environmental impacts may be stimulated by modern policies, known as 'new environmental policy instruments' (NEPIs). These include the Climate Change Levy and the Landfill Tax. This briefing examines NEPIs and their role in stimulating innovation and improving the environment. It also updates POST's previous work in this area.

211-GM crops in the UK (pdf 109KB)
Four page POSTnote, January 2004
The government is expected to set out its policy on genetically modified (GM) crops in early 2004. To inform this it has commissioned a scientific review, a costs and benefits study and a public debate, each of which has now reported its findings. Its policy will also be informed by the results of the farm-scale evaluations (FSEs) of GM crops. Since 1998 the EU has had a moratorium on GM crops and products. This led the US and others to file a case against the EU with the World Trade Organisation (WTO). This briefing summarises the results of these strands, describes recent international developments, and analyses the main options for the future of GM crops in the UK.