§ 61 and 62. Mr. Swinglerasked the Minister of Health (1) if he will take steps to ensure that, before further clinical experiments on children are undertaken, the nature of such experiments is reported to his Department, so that his medical staff can ensure that there are adequate safeguards against harmful effects;
(2) if he will issue a directive to hospital management committees on the ethical principles which should govern the conduct of clinical experiments, with particular reference to the importance of securing the consent of the patient.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodOnly the clinician in charge of each patient can say what safeguards are needed. I do not think, therefore, that directives or detailed controls would help in this matter; but I am sure that all concerned will take note of the answers given to the hon. Member on 7th February and today.