HC Deb 08 December 1976 vol 922 cc242-4W
Mr. Bryan Davies

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she can now make a statement about the establishment of the Genetic Manipulation Advisory Group recommended in the report of the Williams Working Party.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

I am glad to say that the following have agreed to serve as members of the Genetic Manipulation Advisory Group:

  • Chairman: Sir Gordon Wolstenholme, OBE, Director of CIBA Foundation.
  • Dr. J. B. Brooksby, Director of Animal Virus Research Institute, Pirbright.
  • Professor K. R. Dumbell, Professor of Virology, St. Mary's Hospital Medical School, London.
  • Professor H. J. Evans, FRSE, Director of Clinical and Population Cytogenetics Unit, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh.
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  • Mr. J. A. Gilby, Production Director of Beechams Limited.
  • Dr. R. J. C. Harris, Director of Microbiological Research Establishment, Porton Down.
  • Dr. Bernard Langley, ICI Corporate Laboratories, Runcorn.
  • Dr. J. E. Lawrie, Clinical Assistant of Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Hospital, London.
  • Mr. John Maddox, Director of Nuffield Foundation.
  • Professor K. Mather, FRS, Professor of Genetics, University of Birmingham.
  • Professor M. H. Richmond, Professor of Bacteriology, University of Bristol.
  • Professor J. H. Subak-Sharpe, Professor of Virology, University of Glasgow.
  • Sir Brian Windeyer, Former Vice-Chancellor of the University of London.

Further members, including some to represent the interests of employees, will be appointed when consultations have been completed.

The terms of reference of the group are:

  1. "1. In the light of Sections 2 and 3 of, and the Code of Practice in Appendix II to, the Report of the Williams Working Party, to advise
    1. a. those undertaking activities in genetic manipulation, including activities related to animals and plants, as defined in paragraphs 1.3 and 2.2 of the Report, and
    2. b. others concerned.
  2. 2. To undertake a continuing assessment of risks and precautions—and in particular of any new methods of physical or biological containment—and of any newly developed techniques for genetic manipulation and to advise on appropriate action.
  3. 3. To maintain appropriate contacts with relevant government departments, the Health and Safety Executive and the Dangerous Pathogens Advisory Group.
  4. 4. To maintain records of containment facilities and of the qualifications of Biological Safety Officers.
  5. 5. To make available advice on general matters connected with the safety of genetic

Cases heard by industrial tribunals Complaints upheld Percentage Complaints not upheld Percentage
February—December 1972 … … 1,795 612 34 1,183 66
January—June 1973 … … 2,088 810 39 1,278 61
July—December 1973 … … 1,908 664 35 1,244 65
January—June 1974 … … 1,775 633 36 1,142 64
July—December 1974 … … 1,605 617 38 988 62
January—June 1975 … … 3,209 1,235 38 1,974 62
July—December1975 … … 5,520 2,116 38 3,404 62
January—June1976 … … 6,575 2,537 39 4,038 61

Comparative information in respect of applications under the Redundancy Payments Act 1965 is not available.

Mr. Greville Janner

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many and what percentage of appeals against unfair

manipulation, including health monitoring and the training of staff.

6. To submit a report at intervals of not more than a year."

Head 1 of the terms of reference may need amendment when the Government have received and considered proposals by the Health and Safety Commission for regulations requiring notification of proposals for activity in genetic manipulation.

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