Lord Deben:

It has been extremely helpful because it has been able to draw on probably the leading meteorological service in the world, used by the United States rather than its own meteorological service in a number of areas. It has been able to use that very distinct scientific quality to support the science in an effective way. The previous head of the meteorological office, Julia Slingo, had a very determined effect. Dare I say this message is sometimes better coming from a woman who gets up and says it in that sort of way. She was a surprising success while under particular attack from Lord Lawson because she did it so well. The Met Office has been very helpful.