HC Deb 19 December 1984 vol 70 c525

9 am

Mr. Tony Favell (Stockport)

I beg leave to present three petitions collected by residents of the constituency of Stockport. They are all in identical terms. They affirm the petitioners' belief that the newly fertilised human embryro is a real, living, individual human being. I share that belief. They all oppose all practices that discriminate against the embryo or violate his human dignity and right to life. I share that opposition.

The petitions continue as follows: Wherefore your petitioners pray that the House of Commons will take immediate steps to enact legislation which forbids any procedure which involves purchase or sale of human embryos, the discarding of human embryos, their use as sources of transplant tissue or as subjects for research or experiment (unless this is done solely for the benefit of the embryo concerned). And your Petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray etc. To lie upon the Table.

9.1 am

Mr. David Gilroy Bevan (Birmingham, Yardley)

I beg to ask leave to present three petitions on the protection of the human embryo, signed by nearly 1,000 petitioners living in, or being fortunately close to, my constituency of Yardley. The petitions are in the names of Mr. C. H. Greenhalgh of 35 Kathleen road, Yardley, Birmingham, Janet M. Felton of 17 Forest road, Yardley, L. Benbow of 14 Harnall Croft, Sheldon, Birmingham and Gail Aucott of 16 Broad road, Acocks Green, Birmingham.

The petitioners refer to and endorse the statement in the Warnock report that the status of the embryo is a matter of fundamental principle which should be enshrined in legislation". I concur with that view. My constituents pray that the House of Commons will take immediate steps to enact legislation which forbids any procedure which involves purchase or sate of human embryos, the discarding of human embryos, their use as sources of transplant tissue or as subjects for research or experiment (unless this is done solely for the benefit of the embryo concerned). And your Petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray etc. I join many hon. Members in hoping that such legislation will be brought before the House this Session, and that I shall be able to sponsor and support it. To lie upon the Table.

9.3 am

Mr. Tom Sackville (Bolton, West)

I beg to ask leave to present a petition in the name of Mr. Andrew Blackwood of Bolton Life group, 28 Brentford avenue, Bolton and signed by 2,200 residents of Bolton, West. The petition affirms that the newly fertilised human embryo is a real, living, individual human being. It continues: Wherefore your petitioners pray that the House of Commons will take immediate steps to enact legislation which forbids any procedure which involves purchase or sale of human embryos, the discarding of human embryos, their use as sources of transplant tissue or as subjects for research and experiment (unless this is done solely for the benefit of the embryo concerned). And your Petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray etc. To lie upon the Table.