Written question asked by David Amess (Conservative) on Monday, 13 November 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 20 November 2000. It was answered by Yvette Cooper (Labour) on Monday, 20 November 2000 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what ethical considerations the Government will take into account in deciding its policy on embryonic stem cell research; and if he will make a statement. - Inc ref to Stem Cell Research: Medical Progress with Responsibility, and Cloning Issues in Reproduction, Science and Medicine (holding answer 16 November 2000).

Answer: Mr. Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what ethical considerations the Government will take into account in deciding its policy on embryonic stem cell research; and if he will make a statement. [138668] Yvette Cooper: [holding answer 16 November 2000]: All research on human embryos is strictly regulated by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990. This Act was introduced following detailed consideration by the Warnock Committee in the early 1980's of the issues raised by developing technologies in this area. The provisions in the Act were subject to considerable debate in both Houses. Following the recommendations in the Chief Medical Officer's expert group report: "Stem Cell Research: Medical Progress with Responsibility", the Government announced their intention to introduce regulations to extend the purposes for which human embryos may be used in research. These Regulations will be decided on a free vote. The expert group included members with a wide range of interests, including ethics. We also took account of the joint Report by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority and Human Genetics Advisory Commission: "Cloning Issues in Reproduction, Science and Medicine" (December 1998) and reports from other bodies such as the Nuffield Council on Bioethics, as well as views in Europe and elsewhere.

Secondary information