§ Lord Alton of Liverpoolasked Her Majesty's Government:
What response they intend to make to the resolution of the European Parliament of 14 November which stated that "research activities aiming at human cloning for reproductive purposes; creation of embryos for research purposes, including somatic cell nuclear transfer; research activity resulting in a modification of the genetic heritage of human beings, which could make such changes hereditary" should not be permitted under 105WA the multinational scientific framework programme 2002–06 of the European Union; and [HL1412]
Whether it is their intention to participate in the European Research Area programme (COM (2001) 94–05–0087/2001–2001/0053(COD); and whether they subscribe to the fundamental ethical principles set out in Amendments 22, 332, 333 and 334 of Article 3 of the European Research Area framework programme. [HL1413]
§ Lord Hunt of Kings HeathThe resolution referred to by the noble Lord deals with European Parliament amendments to the Commission proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and the Council concerning the multiannual framework programme 2002–06.
The Government agree that research should be carried out with due regard for fundamental ethical principles. The European Parliament amendments list a number of relevant international instruments.
The Government are aware that the October 2000 revision of the Declaration of Helsinki has already been the subject of an additional statement by the World Medical Association and may be re-examined in 2002. The amendment refers to "relevant WHO resolutions", which would need to be specified before the Government could comment on agreement with them. Regarding the remaining instruments, the Government subscribe to the ethical position on research set out by the instrument as a whole. It notes that Article 18.2 of the Biomedicine Convention prohibits creation of embryos for research purposes, but that Article 36 permits states to enter a reservation on the basis of law in force in its territory not being in compliance with the provision.
The opinion of the European Parliament will be considered by the Council under the co-decision procedure. The Government expect that the United Kingdom research community will participate fully in the framework programme.
§ Baroness Blatchasked Her Majesty's Government:
What costs from public funds have been incurred to date as a result of contesting the challenge to the use of statutory instruments to permit human embryos to be used for the purposes of experimental human cloning. [HL1430]
§ Lord Hunt of Kings HeathThe costs to the Government have yet to be assessed. Costs of the losing party will be the subject of a detailed assessment by a cost's judge, if not agreed, at the end of the proceedings.