Mr. DayellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the Minister of State's letter (DOH/3/5437/71), on cloning tissue, what action he is taking to permit research into mitochondrial diseases and treatment for diseased or damaged tissues or organs; and what research he has commissioned into the use of cells or tissue, derived from human embryos, for the treatment of diseased or damaged tissues. [87181]
§ Ms JowellThe joint Human Genetics Advisory Commission and Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority report "Cloning Issues in Reproduction, Science and Medicine" recommends, among other things, that regulations should be made under the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 to extend the purposes for which human embryos may be used in research. This would enable research to be conducted into a number of serious disorders including the so-called mitochondrial diseases and for the treatment of diseased384W or damaged tissues. The Government are considering the recommendations in the Report very carefully indeed. A response is expected shortly.
The Government provide funding for many research projects both directly and indirectly. The Medical Research Council receives most of its funding from the Department of Trade and Industry, with smaller amounts from various other sources including the Department. I understand that the Council currently funds one major research programme, at the University of Edinburgh, which is looking at the development potential of embryonic cells. This is being undertaken under the terms of a licence from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority in accordance with the provisions of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990.