Written question asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Earl Howe (Conservative) on Monday, 19 July 2010.

Embryology

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Thornton on 6 April (WA 393), whether the activities authorised by Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority research licence R0152 include the use of donor nuclei from (a) patients undergoing a Caesarean section, and (b) children with a serious mitochondrial disease.

Answer: The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) has advised that its Scientific and Clinical Advances Advisory Committee has not met to discuss the research findings reported in the Sunday Times on 13 June. In respect of patient information and consent forms for research covered by HFEA research licences R0145, R0152 and R0153, I refer the noble Lord to the minutes of the authority's Research Licence Committee on 19 May 2010, which can be found on its website, http://guide.hfea.gov.uk/guide/ShowPDF.aspx?ID=4180. A copy has been placed in the Library. The HFEA has further advised the activities authorised under research licence R0152 are: the storage of eggs, storage of embryos, the creation of embryos in vitro, storage of licensed material, use of donated embryos for research purposes and the derivation of human embryonic stem cell lines. In respect of the requirement for completion of forms related to the supply of eggs to HFEA-licensed research projects, I refer the noble Lord to my Written Answer of 23 June (Official Report, col. WA 184). The HFEA has advised that centres holding research licences authorising the creation of embryos for research are required to submit information on the number of embryos created for use in research. On occasion, this may include information about the use of eggs.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 1001; 720 c164WA
Session: 2010-12
Related items: Deposited Paper DEP2010-1493
Monday, 19 July 2010
Deposited papers
House of Lords; Embryology
Tuesday, 6 April 2010
Written questions
House of Lords; Embryology
Monday, 27 September 2010
Written questions
House of Lords; Embryology
Monday, 27 September 2010
Written questions
House of Lords; Embryology
Monday, 27 September 2010
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Children Licensing Human embryo experiments Donors Hereditary diseases Patients Caesarean sections Newcastle Fertility Centre
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk