HC Deb 24 February 1987 vol 111 c151W
Mr. Galley

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) whether the Medical Research Council has now been informed of or is involved in any current or proposed research project into genetic handicap which necessitates or would necessitate the use of the human embryo;

(2) if he is aware of any publicly funded current or proposed research project into genetic handicap which involves or would involve the use of the human embryo;

(3) if he has been notified of any privately funded current or proposed research project into genetic handicap which involves or would involve the use of the human embryo.

Mr. Walden

[pursuant to his reply, 23 February 1987]: I understand that the Medical Research Council has been informed by the Voluntary Licensing Authority for Human In Vitro Fertilisation and Embryology, which is jointly funded by the MRC and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, that they have at their January meeting approved a project into genetic handicap which necessitates the use of the human embryo. I am not aware of any approach for public funding of this work.