40. Mr. Driberģasked the Minister of Health in how many clinics and by how many physicians are experiments now being conducted in the artificial insemination of women; how many children have been or are expected shortly to be born in Britain as a result of such experiments; how many of these children are the offspring of their mother's husband; how many of anonymous donors; and in the latter case, how the facts are recorded in the register of births.
§ Mr. WillinkI have no information on the first part of the Question beyond what has appeared in the medical Press, from which I understand that artificial insemination has been carried out at a voluntary clinic at Exeter. On the subsequent parts of the Question I have no information, but, so far as I am aware, no births have been registered as resulting from artificial insemination.
Mr. DriberģWill my right hon. and learned Friend bear in mind that this is a very serious development, with tremendous social and legal, as well as scientific, implications, with great possibilities and great dangers; and will he call for a full report from the physicians concerned, and make all the facts known to the House?
§ Mr. WillinkI will consider that question, but I am in some doubt whether I have power to call for a full report from physicians acting in a private capacity.
§ Mr. James GriffithsWho is responsible for running this clinic?
§ Mr. WillinkI do not know precisely but it is a voluntary clinic.
§ Mr. Ivor ThomasWould my right hon. and learned Friend consider having this added to the terms of reference of the Royal Commission on Population, who would have power to call evidence?
§ Mr. WillinkNo, Sir, I doubt very much whether that body would be the appropriate body to consider this question.
§ Mr. McEnteeIs this not of sufficient importance for the Minister to seek these powers?
Mr. DriberģIs there any way by which this House can be informed on this tremendously important development?
§ Mr. J. J. LawsonSurely, the right hon. and learned Gentleman is not going to let a practice of such great importance to this country go uncontrolled while he is Minister of Health; and will he not take legal powers to deal with a matter of this kind?
§ Mr. WillinkThis obviously has every possibility of being a most difficult and controversial subject. On the information I have at present, which, as I have told the House, is restricted to what has appeared in the medical Press, it is clear that it has many facets and many possibilities, but I will consider what has been suggested and whether I can obtain fuller information than has appeared so far.