§ Rev. Martin SmythTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the resolution of the European Parliament (Official Journal CO34, 2/2/1998. p0164) on embryonic research and therapeutic cloning. [139146]
§ Yvette CooperWe agree with the aim of this Resolution to the extent that human reproductive cloning should be prohibited. This is entirely in accordance with the stated view of the United Kingdom Government. However, we announced in August our intention to bring forward Regulations to extend the purposes for which embryos may be used in research to include research into human diseases and their treatments. This would include embryos created by cell nuclear replacement (therapeutic cloning).
Resolutions of the European Parliament have no legal status. We are aware that the European Union has no competence to legislate specifically on embryo research and that strong and deeply divided views are held on this issue in Europe.
§ Mr. ReedTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many applications for research licences the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority has refused since 1990. [139486]
§ Yvette CooperThe Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) has licensed human embryo research since 1 August 1991. Up to March 2000 the HFEA has refused a total of 17 licences.