§ Mr. Thurnhamasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how much was provided from public funds for the Voluntary Licencing Authority for Human In-Vitro Fertilisation and Embryology during 1985–86; and what are the estimated funds for 1986–87.
§ Mr. WaldenI cannot at present give a precise answer. The Voluntary Licensing Authority for Human In-Vitro Fertilisation and Embryology was set up jointly by the Medical Research Council (MRC) and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG). I understand from the MRC that the total cost of the authority in 1985–86 was £82,000; and that the total cost for 1986–87 is estimated to be £79,000. The RCOG has agreed to pay a share of these costs, as yet undetermined.