HL Deb 27 July 2000 vol 616 cc96-7WA
Lord Alton of Liverpool

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they were aware that Sheffield University had decided to import embryonic stem cell tissues; and whether Sheffield University consulted the Department of Health or the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority in advance of their action. [HL3547]

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath

The Department of Health is aware of the work being conducted on stem cells by Sheffield University. The importation of embryonic stem cell tissue is not regulated by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 so there was no requirement for the University to consult with either the Department of Health or the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority.