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Royal Society replies Saturday May 26, 2001 The Guardian Madeleine Bunting's view that the debate on embryonic stem cell research which took place in both Houses of Parliament last year and again earlier this year was rushed (The debate nobody wants ... embryology, May 25) is off the mark. The debate followed at least two years of widespread public debate and extensive activity around the time of the parliamentary sessions. All shades of public opinion were considered carefully, including those of the Royal Society, which supports this vital area of research. The Royal Society supports Bunting's call for scientists and non- scientists to listen to each others' views on policy issues involving science. This is something we are acting on already through our five- year science in society programme. On the issue of stem cell research, the Royal Society will be holding a meeting in June, part of which will consider the social impact this area of science will have. Stephen Cox, Executive secretary Royal Society • Your report on the Royal Society's depleted uranium study included a misleading quote that claimed our working group had not received evidence from veterans (Study plays down cancer fears over depleted uranium weapons, May 23). In fact, we invited the veterans' groups to give evidence at the outset of our independent study in January 2000. We agreed to their proposal to meet the chief scientific adviser to the Gulf war veterans, who also provided us with written evidence. Prof Brian Spratt, Royal Society http://www.guardian.co.uk/letters/story/0,3604,496759,00.html *********** ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn