§ Lord Alton of Liverpoolasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is their response to the claim that some techniques, such as the freezing of embryos, and the practice of growing embryos in the test tube for extra days prior to transfer, have not been sufficiently tested in animals prior to their use in humans; and [H L556]
What is their response to the claim that the lack of laboratory research into in vitro fertilisation means scientists are experimenting on children. [H L557]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Lord Warner)The provision ofin vitro fertilisation (IVF) and storage of gametes (eggs and sperm) and embryos in the United Kingdom is regulated by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA). No clinic can provide such services without a licence from the HFEA. Before any new treatment technique is permitted, the HFEA looks at evidence either from animal studies or clinical data from the technique where used in other countries. The HFEA would not issue a licence for a new 59WA treatment unless it was fully satisfied about the safety and efficacy of the treatment.