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Scientists were two to a seat to hear Margaret Beckett address the British Association meeting this week. Organisers so hopelessly underestimated the turnout when the meeting was brought forward that John Battle, minister for science and a local MP, was relegated to the back benches while Bob May, the Government's chief scientific adviser, demonstrated that time in Whitehall had not reduced his fitness. Even Mrs Beckett was forced to comment as he jumped over the benches in search of a seat.