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Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill

It is a privilege to follow the eloquent plea for the status quo that the hon. Member for Crosby (Mrs. Curtis-Thomas) made. She and the hon. Member for Strangford (Mrs. Robinson) put the traditional case for opposing developments in stem cell research, embryology and abortion. It is one of the House's strengths that we can disagree with one another dispassionately. The red lines in the Chamber show how we manage not to come to physical blows, but the issue is difficult for everybody, whatever their beliefs, and I am therefore grateful that we respect one another's views. I add my congratulations to those of others to my right hon. and learned Friend the Member for Rushcliffe (Mr. Clarke), my hon. Friend the Member for Esher and Walton (Mr. Taylor) and others who got the 1990 Act through. Before that, there was no regulation and I understand that experiments were conducted on embryos that we would regard with horror today. It is a relief to have the 1990 Act, and I congratulate the Government on recognising that the science has moved on and that we must therefore ensure that regulation also moves on. I shall vote for Second Reading but against the timetable motion. The hon. Member for Crosby mentioned the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, with which I was closely associated when I worked for the chemical industry. I learned from that experience that the calibre of the scientists working on such difficult matters is high. They apply the highest moral and ethical standards while existing in a world of regulations of which we, as ordinary citizens who complain about red tape, have no concept. It is complex and onerous and I have huge respect for anyone who works in that field. I have no concern about the atmosphere in which the scientists will work under the Bill.