Conservative MPs are to get compulsory lessons in scientific literacy under a plan to strengthen evidence-based policy-making.

Classes explaining scientific method and basic concepts will be included in the induction programme for all Tory MPs after the next election, and sitting members and peers will also be offered the opportunity to attend, The Times has learnt.

The plan, drawn up by Adam Afriyie, the party’s spokesman for science and innovation, is designed to address concerns about a lack of scientific expertise and understanding in the House of Commons and Whitehall.

Though scientific challenges such as global warming, stem-cell research, pandemic flu and GM crops are becoming increasingly important political issues, Parliament and the Civil Service have long been dominated by people with backgrounds in the humanities, law and business. Both the Cabinet and the Shadow Cabinet each have just one full member with a degree in science, medicine or engineering: John Denham, the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, who studied chemistry; and Liam Fox, the Shadow Defence Secretary, who is a medical doctor.

Professor Sir David King, the Government’s former chief scientific adviser, has criticised the Civil Service for a reluctance to use science properly when framing and implementing policy.

Mr Afriyie, who does not himself have a science degree, told The Times: “The evidence-based scientific approach extends well beyond subjects like embryology or GM crops. It is also critical to social policy and criminal sentencing, and it cuts across all areas of government.”

The plan signals a new emphasis on science as an important policy area for the Conservatives, who have been criticised by the research community for saying little about the field.

The word “science” did not appear in the Conservatives’ 2005 manifesto.

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