§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer of 18 November 1997,Official Report, columns 119, if he will implement recommendation 2 of the Banner Committee. [22757]
§ Mr. Battle[holding answer 12 January 1998]: I have been asked to reply.
The second recommendation of the Banner Committee calls for a new Committee with responsibility for advising on the ethical questions associated with scientific advances in the field of genetics.
The Human Genetics Advisory Commission already has a remit to advise on the ethical issues arising from advances in human genetics. Additionally, on 292W 24 November last year, I announced a public consultation on the wider issues arising from developments in the biosciences. The Banner Committee's second recommendation will be considered in this context.