Can consultation of both experts and the public help developing public policy? Some aspects of the debate in France

摘要

We propose that the use of a contract between the State and scientific experts be borough-into general use to clarify the procedures for expert consultations aimed at elucidating public decisions in situations to which the precautionary principle applies. This discussion is based on several instances of expert and public consultations conducted over the past decade at the request of the French government, and on the structure and operation of four health and safety agencies recently created, in particular, the French food safety agency (l'Agence franchise de securite sanitaire des aliments, AFSSA). Finally, we suggest a number of underlying principles to govern the use of expert advice and consultation in the process of public decision-making about issues involving scientific and technical uncertainty.