§ Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement about Government control of human gene technology.
§ Mr. WaldegraveCertain aspects of human gene technology are controlled under the Genetically Modified Organisms (Contained Use) Regulations 1992, which are designed to protect human health and safety and the environment from genetically modified organisms used in contained conditions such as laboratories or industrial facilities. Under these regulations, all persons undertaking such work must conduct a risk assessment of the activity. This assessment will determine the risk classification of, and the safety precautions required for, the work. The independent Advisory Committee on Genetic Modification is regularly consulted on higher risk projects.
All premises where work with genetically modified organisms takes place must be registered with the Health and Safety Executive. The regulations also contain provisions for inspection and enforcement under the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974.
All proposals for gene therapy research on human subjects are considered by the Gene Therapy Advisory 80W Committee, established in 1993 by United Kingdom Health Ministers in response to the recommendation of the Committee on the Ethics of Gene Therapy. It advises on the acceptability of such proposals on ethical grounds, taking account of the scientific merits of proposals and potential benefits and risks.