HC Deb 18 December 1997 vol 303 cc308-9W
Ms Whalley

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans she has for public consultation in respect of the proposed European Biotechnology Patent Directive. [17804]

Mr. Battle

Information concerning the Commission's proposal was circulated widely, including by use of the Internet. As a result, over 150 organisations made their views known to me or my Department and took part in a consultation exercise. Organisations included those representing environmental interests, health and patient groups, animal welfare, the professions, industry, trade unions and religious groups.

The debate which surrounded the European Commission's proposal for a Directive on the legal protection of biotechnological inventions highlighted a number of ethical issues which surrounded this technology. Therefore, I announced on 24 November 1997, Official Report, column 412, that my Department would be sponsoring a consultation initiative to seek public views on biological research.

My ultimate goal is to engage members of the public in debate to enable us to assess the issues that are of wider concern. However, I feel that an important pre-cursor to this is to involve interested parties active in the debate to add to the credibility that an inclusive approach will offer.

I shall be hosting an event in the New Year to discuss with groups active in the biosciences and science communication how we can best develop the public activity, which is planned for next summer.

Dr. Kumar

To ask the President of the Board of Trade when the Government plans to respond to the 5th Report of the Science and Technology Committee of Session 1996–97 (HC 373), on the Cloning of Animals from Adult Cells; and if she will make a statement. [22105]

Mrs. Beckett

I welcome the careful consideration which the committee gave the issues raised following the announcement of the successful cloning of "Dolly" from adult sheep cells. The Government's response emphasises that the Government will strive to ensure that the debate on the ethical issues surrounding biosciences keeps pace with advances in these technologies, both at national and international level. The Government's response has been published today and copies are available in the Libraries of both Houses.