§ Mr. Clifton-BrownTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how he intends to respond to ethical concerns about the use of new animal breeding techniques on farms.
§ Mr. GummerEthical concerns about the use of new animal breeding techniques in farming are matters which I take very seriously. I have therefore invited Dr. Michael Banner, Dean of Peterhouse college, Cambridge to chair an ad hoc committee to consider the ethical implications of emerging technologies in the breeding of farm animals. The committee's terms of reference are
To consider the ethical implications of emerging technologies in the breeding of farm animals; to advise on the adequacy of the existing legal and other safeguards in those areas: and to make recommendations.I shall discuss the membership and work programme of the committee with Dr. Banner, and will make a further announcement as soon as these issues have been settled. I expect the committee to report in about a year.