§ Q121. Sir David Priceasked the Prime Minister whether she will open discussions with the appropriate learned societies to agree an updated voluntary code of conduct on all medical, biological and bio-chemical research which is consistent with the dignity and sanctity of human life.
§ The Prime MinisterThere are voluntary codes of conduct on scientific research involving humans, which have been drawn up by scientific and professional organisations. Each code deals with an aspect of such research. In addition, the Medical Research Council has published guidelines on research involving embryos fertilised in vitro. It is for the organisations themselves to ensure that these guidelines remain relevant both to the conduct of research and to the legitimate concerns of the community at large.