Written question asked by David Amess (Conservative) on Tuesday, 6 July 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 14 July 1999. It was answered by Baroness Jowell (Labour) on Wednesday, 14 July 1999 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will make a statement on the controls on the importation of embryonic stem cells; and what estimate he has made of the number of such cells imported in the past year.

Answer: Mr. Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the controls on the importation of embryonic stem cells; and what estimate he has made of the number of such cells imported in the past year. [90624] Ms Jowell: Research involving the removal of cells such as stem cells from human embryos is subject to strict control under the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990. Such research would require a licence from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA). The importation of human embryos is also subject to the provisions of the Act. The provisions of the 1990 Act do not extend to established cell cultures of embryonic origin. Such cell lines, including embryonic stem cells may be imported and used without requiring a licence from the HFEA.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 90624; 335 c231W
Session: 1998-99
Subjects: Human embryo experiments Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority Import controls Imports Science
Legislation: Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990