Genetic Manipulation Advisory Group (Hansard, 18 January 1984)

§ Mr. Brooke

The genetic manipulation advisory group—GMAG—was set up in 1976 to advise my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science on the possible hazards associated with recombinant DNA research and technology. More recently, there has been a growing consensus of expert opinion that the physical hazards associated with genetic manipulation, though real, are less than had been feared. Expert advice will continue to be needed on health and safety aspects of genetic manipulation work, but, having regard to technical developments such as the increasing use of large-scale industrial processes, it has been necessary to consider what advisory arrangements are needed in future.

Following consultations with organisations affected conducted jointly by the Department and the Health and Safety Executive, it has been decided that GMAG should be abolished and that the Health and Safety Commission should establish an advisory committee, to be called the advisory committee on genetic manipulation—ACGM. Although it will primarily be responsible for advising on health and safety at work issues, which are the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Employment, the ACGM will also be able to take references on such scientific and technical questions as lie within its competence, from the Health, Environment, Agriculture and Industry Ministers. It is intended that the ACGM will be in operation as soon as possible after 29 February 1984, when the terms of office of current GMAG members expire.

I should like to take this opportunity to record my thanks to the present and past chairman and members of GMAG for their willingness to devote time and effort to the GMAG's work, and to the Medical Research Council and especially those of its staff who have serviced the group, on behalf of the Department, throughout its life.