HL Deb 18 October 1990 vol 522 cc1111-2

4 Clause 24, page 13, line 12, after 'recorded' insert 'and given to the Authority'.

5 Page 13, line 13, at end insert: '(2A) Directions may authorise, in such circumstances and subject to such conditions as may be specified in the directions, the keeping, by or on behalf of a person to whom a licence applies, of gametes or embryos in the course of their carriage to or from any premises.'.

The Lord Chancellor

My Lords, I beg to move that the House do agree with the Commons in their Amendments Nos. 4 and 5 en bloc. The amendments are designed to clarify the authority's power to collect information from licence holders. They are very straightforward in nature.

Amendment No. 4 concerns the collection of information by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority from centres licensed to carry out treatment services regulated by the Bill. The sort of information covered is about the people for whom treatment services are provided or about any child appearing to have been born as a result of licensed treatment. This type of information must be recorded for each of the matters in Clause 13(2)(a) to (e) of the Bill.

The amendment provides therefore that for every treatment licence issued, information must not only be recorded, but also be given to the authority, for each of the matters in Clause 13(2)(a) to (e).

Amendment No. 5 makes provision for the transfer of embryos and gametes from one place to another. For instance, it may be desired to use sperm which has been donated in one clinic at another clinic, or a woman who had stored embryos might move and wish to undergo further treatment at a different clinic nearer her new home. It is important that the transport arrangements should be covered.

Moved, That the House do agree with the Commons in their Amendments Nos. 4 and 5.—(The Lord Chancellor.)

On Question, Motion agreed to.