Written question asked by Adam Ingram (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 27 February 1997. It was answered by Ian Taylor (Conservative) on Thursday, 27 February 1997 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: If he will comment on the new guidelines issued by the Association of British Insurers relating to the use of the results of genetic testing. - (Holding answer 24 February 1997).

Answer: Mr. Ingram: To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the new guidelines issued by the Association of British Insurers relating to the use of the results of genetic testing. [17366] Mr. Ian Taylor: [holding answer 24 February 1997]: I welcome the statement by the Association of British Insurers outlining its current position on genetic testing and the use of genetic information in the underwriting process. The Government have been urging the ABI to make constructive proposals to deal with public concern on this important issue and I am pleased that some progress has been made. The prospect of a wider range of genetic tests becoming available in the future, with greater sophistication in the interpretation of test results, means that the implications for insurance must be kept under constant review. My Department, with the Department of Health, has established the Human Genetic Advisory Commission to examine this sort of issue, taking account of continuing development in genetic science.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 17366; 291 c293-4W
Session: 1996-97
Subjects: Genetics Insurance Screening Association of British Insurers Human Genetics Advisory Commission