§ Dr. KumarTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he is taking to determine the ethical framework applied to genetic research in receipt of financial support from the Government. [137528]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonGenetic research commissioned by the Government and carried out within the national health service is subject to oversight by the appropriate NHS Research Ethics Committee. Gene therapy research will continue to be subject to the approval of, and ongoing supervision by, the Gene Therapy Advisory Committee.
§ Dr. KumarTo ask the Secretary of State for Health who has been consulted on the ethical dimensions of the Biobank project; and where it is possible to inspect the comments of consultees. [137529]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonConsultations on the ethical dimensions of UK Biobank have involved key public and professional stakeholders ranging from patients' and civil society groups, scientists and health care professionals, to ethicists, lawyers and social scientists, as well as members of the public. These consultations have informed the discussions of the Interim Advisory Group on Ethics and Governance and the development of the ethics and governance framework. Reports of the consultations can be accessed on the UK Biobank website at www.ukbiobank.ac.uk.