HL Deb 11 April 2000 vol 612 cc80-2

2.51 p.m.

Lord Clement-Jones

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What genetic tests they intend to permit insurance companies to carry out.

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath

My Lords, insurance companies cannot require genetic tests to be carried out. The Government have established the Genetics and Insurance Committee to assess whether there is sufficient scientific and actuarial evidence to justify the consideration of genetic test results when assessing insurance premiums.

Lord Clement-Jones

My Lords, I thank the Minister for that Answer, which did not give the full reassurance that I sought. First, does he agree that any decision to allow genetic testing by insurance companies, particularly of those with congenital illnesses such as the early onset of Alzheimer's disease or breast cancer, would prejudice them as regards life and travel insurance and endowment mortgages, thereby considerably increasing social exclusion, lessening the protection of consumers and contributing nothing to public health? Secondly, will he ensure that before any decision is made, whatever it may be, insurance companies abide by the code of practice?

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath

My Lords, the Government are concerned to prevent the unfair and inappropriate use of genetic information in any circumstances, including by the insurance industry. I understand that the deliberations of the committee will reach a conclusion at the end of this year. The insurance industry has agreed to respect its decisions; to stop using the results from any test that does not meet the committee's criteria; and retrospectively to consider insurance premiums written as a:result of a test that the committee does not subsequently approve.

Earl Howe

My Lords, will the Government bear in mind that one consequence of obliging people to take a genetic test is the likelihood of a large number of people finding themselves uninsurable? Does not the Minister consider that to be an important point?

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath

My Lords, I do, indeed. If a large number of people fail to find insurance, that is a matter of concern. That is one of the issues which needs to be given careful consideration in any review of the insurance industry's approach to genetic testing and of wider social and ethical issues. Alongside the committee's deliberations, which will be reported at the end of the year, the Government have set up the Human Genetics Commission, chaired by my noble friend Lady Kennedy of The Shaws, which will examine some of those wider issues.

Baroness Masham of Ilton

My Lords, does the Minister agree that it is important to undertake medical research into the prevention of conditions such as spina bifida and leukaemia? However, will he ensure that no individual is penalised because he has such a condition?

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath

Yes, my Lords, we must invest in research into such conditions. However, a number of issues in relation to genetic testing and research will need to be carefully considered. I refer to the fairness and appropriateness of tests and the confidentiality of genetic information. We should question whether testing should be performed when no treatment is currently available. As regards the insurance industry, we have set up a committee to review the use of current tests and have established the Human Genetics Commission to examine wider issues.

Lord Walton of Detchant

My Lords, I am greatly reassured to hear that the issue will be considered by the Human Genetics Commission as well as by the Genetics and Insurance Committee. However, is the Ministei aware of the prediction that within perhaps 20 years it will be theoretically possible for each of us to carry a microchip giving details of our individual genome, not only identifying genes which may be responsible for single, fatal diseases, but also genes conferring susceptibility to illnesses such as cancer, heart disease and strokes? Does not that issue make this matter of very urgent importance?

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath

My Lords, the noble Lord is right. None of us can fully foresee the impact of the new developments, which is why we must be careful in making assessments about the legal and ethical basis on which they are being undertaken. There could be a tremendous challenge for the health service in ensuring that our services are geared up to take advantage of some of the work.

Lord Puttnam

My Lords, will the Minister do all he can to achieve cross-party agreement in order to ensure that the insurance companies do not begin to play politics with this very serious issue which should be kept right out of the political spectrum?

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath

My Lords, I am sure that the Government can look for the support of the opposition parties on this and many other matters. I believe that this country has taken a sensible approach to genetics and genetic testing. We have set up a number of advisory bodies, including the two which I mentioned today, in order to ensure that we keep fully abreast of the current situation and future developments. It is important that we continue to work in a consensual and open way.