HC Deb 05 March 1998 vol 307 c759W
Mr. Sayeed

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidelines exist to ensure that patients are informed before being included in any medical research; and if he will make a statement. [32544]

Ms Jowell

Research which involves the examination or treatment of an individual performed in the absence of valid consent may constitute an offence against the person.

The National Health Service has a well-established system of research ethics committees which give independent advice to NHS bodies on the ethical acceptability, including the procedures for obtaining consent, of research proposals involving NHS patients.

Date Event Minister accompanied by spouse Total cost
25 May 1997 Air Fete at RAF Mildenhall Minister for the Armed Forces No cost to Private Office budget
3–4 June 1997 Visit Headquarters Land Command, Minister for the Armed Forces £2,149.00
Wilton
19 June 1997 Beating Retreat, Edinburgh Minister for the Armed Forces £79.00
23 August 1997 Salute at Beating Retreat, Edinburgh Minister for the Armed Forces Cost not separately identified
17 September 1997 Army Families Federation Conference, Minister for the Armed Forces Cost not separately identified
Sandhurst
21 September 1997 Laying of Wreath at Polish War Minister for the Armed Forces Cost not separately identified
Memorial, London
7 October 1997 Reception at IMDEX 97, London Under-Secretary of State Cost not separately identified
11 December 1997 Decommissioning ceremony of HMY Secretary of State £73.50
Britannia, Portsmouth