HC Deb 07 July 2003 vol 408 cc655-6W
Ann Winterton

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if the Government will make it its policy to oppose legislation that seeks to legalise euthanasia; and if he will make a statement. [124182]

Ms Rosie Winterton

The Government welcomes public debate on this issue and will listen carefully to the arguments put forward by all sides. However, any proposal to change the law in this area would need to be considered very carefully and the Government have no plans to change the current law.

Ann Winterton

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the Government's policy on the Patient (Assisted Dying) Bill. [124183]

Ms Rosie Winterton

The Government welcomes public debate on this issue and we shall take careful note of what is said in the debates as the noble Lord Joffe's Bill is considered. However, any proposal to change the law in this area would need to be considered very carefully and we have no plans to change the current law.