§ 3 Clause 13, page 6, line 46, after 'treatment' insert '(including the need of that child for a father)'.
§ The Lord ChancellorMy Lords, I beg to move that the House do agree with the Commons in their Amendment No. 3. I shall speak also to Amendment No. 6. While in your Lordships' House the Bill was amended to provide that a woman should not be provided with treatment services unless account had been taken of the welfare of any child who may be born as a result of the treatment, and of any other child who may be affected by the birth. These amendments further provide that part of the consideration of the welfare of the child who may be born as a result of the treatment should be the need of that child for a father.
Those who supported this amendment in the other place consider that a family life where a child is brought up by both a father and a mother offers the child the best prospects. Professional people who will be required to make judgments about who is suitable for treatment will be guided by the code of practice of the new authority. The code of practice will include guidance on the welfare of the child.
Moved, That the House do agree with the Commons in their Amendment No. 3.—(The Lord Chancellor.)
§ Question, Motion agreed to.