Committee launches inquiry into scientific advice on cyber security

First of three hearings to take place next Wednesday

The Commons Science and Technology Committee has launched an inquiry into the quality of the scientific advice the government has received on cyber security.

The first of three hearings will take place on Wednesday 17 November when MPs will cross examine professor Ross Anderson, professor of security engineering at Cambridge University, Dr Robert Hayes of the Microsoft Institute for Advanced Technology in Governments, Malcolm Hurrt, head of public affairs at London Internet Exchange and professor Peter Sommer, visiting professor at the London School of Economics.

A second session will hear from Home Office chief scientific adviser professor Bernard Silverman, Cabinet Office deputy director Dr Steve Marsh, in charge of the office of Cyber Security and Information Assurance, and Ministry of Defence chief scientific adviser professor Mark Welland.

A further session is planned with former and current government ministers.

The inquiry follows the sudden emphasis on combating cyber warfare in the government's Strategic Defence and Security Review, with a new spend of £600m to develop new cyber defences.

The inquiry is part of the committee's ongoing investigation into the quality of scientific advice available to the government in emergencies. It was launched following the grounding of European air transport during the Icelandic volcanic ash crisis, which attracted criticism from aircraft operators about the lack of scientific basis for the extent of the danger, which resulted in the blanket grounding of aircraft.