HC Deb 08 March 1996 vol 273 c397W
Mr. Alton

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many human embryos were used in treatment cycles from 1991 to 1994. [19787]

Mr. Horam

As recorded in the records of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, the number of embryos used in treatment cycles between 1991 and 1994 was 140,410. This includes fresh and frozen embryos.

Mr. Alton

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many human embryos were destroyed between 1991 and 1994 at the request of their parents. [19788]

Mr. Horam

The number of embryos that were not frozen or used for treatment or for other purposes during the period in question was 90,756. As required by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 decisions about these embryos would have been taken only with the consent of the couple involved.