Gene Therapy Advisory Committee

HC Deb 24 May 1993 vol 225 cc440-1W

Mr. Moss

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when she expects to be able to announce the chairman and terms of reference of the Gene Therapy Advisory Committee.

Mr. Sackville

Professor Dame June Lloyd has today been appointed as chairman of the Gene Therapy Advisory Committee (GTAC). The terms of reference for the committee are as followsTo consider and advise on the acceptability of proposals for gene therapy research on human subjects, on ethical grounds, taking account of the scientific merits of the proposals and the potential benefits and risks. To work with other agencies which have responsibilities in this field, including local research ethics committees, and agencies with statutory responsibilities—the Medicines Control Agency, the Health and Safety Executive and the Department of the Environment. To provide advice to United Kingdom Health Ministers on developments in gene therapy research and their implications. The membership of GTAC will be announced later.