HC Deb 19 December 1990 vol 183 cc239-40W
Mr. Alton

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to ensure the publication of statistics regarding the operation of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990; and what statistics will be published.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

Under section 7 of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority is required to send to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State an annual report on the authority's activities. It will be for the authority itself to decide whether and how to publish any statistics.

Mr. Alton

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to ensure that the public are consulted prior to licences being issued under the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

Responsibility for licensing arrangements will rest with the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority which was established under section 5 of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act. The Act does not require the authority to consult the public prior to the issue of licences.

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