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The ministerial code should be amended to clarify the relationship between scientific advisors and the government.
The House of Lords Science and Technology Committee has urged ministers to adopt a new provision in the code to set out the fundamental elements of the relationship.
"Ministers must recognise the independence of independent scientific advisory committees and also of the individual members of such committees, and ensure that explicit conventions are agreed on their right to express themselves publicly," the committee said.
It also said that while it is the responsibility of ministers to decide on policy, where a policy decision is contrary to scientific advice, ministers must explain their reasons for not accepting that advice.
Late last year the home secretary dismissed a government adviser over disagreements on drug policy.
Professor David Nutt was sacked as chairman of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) by Alan Johnson after he publicly criticised ministers over the classification of cannabis.
Lord Sutherland, chairman committee, has written to science minister Lord Drayson to urge him to adopt the proposals.
"Where there are concerns about the conduct of a scientific adviser, a minister should consult the departmental chief scientific and visor and, where appropriate, the government chief scientific advisor," he said.
Johnson had been criticised for dismissing Professor Nutt without reference to the government chief scientific adviser.
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