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Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill [HL]

My Lords, I am grateful to the Minister for her reply to this amendment, but regret that I am not satisfied with the argument that the word ““serious”” on its own, without the addition of some reference to a threat to life, is adequate. In my view it is still much too broad. As regards the amendment of the noble Earl, Lord Howe, while I understand entirely his desire to include quality of life, I have to say that he has not yet persuaded me—he might do so—that it is sufficiently precise to be put in an Act of Parliament. And in response to those who have a problem about which amendment to support, I suggest that, not for the first time, the noble and learned Lord, Lord Mackay, has produced the solution. Strictly speaking, if this amendment is passed it will be possible for the noble Earl, Lord Howe, to move his amendment because the word ““serious”” would still remain in the definition. It may require some tidying up, but that could be done on Third Reading. Given that, I believe that there is sufficient support for the amendment for me to test the opinion of the House. On Question, Whether the said amendment (No. 30) shall be agreed to? Their Lordships divided: Contents, 121; Not-Contents, 162.