Human Fertilisation and Embryology: Regulation

Baroness Warwick of Undercliffe Excerpts

Wednesday 13th October 2010 Lords Chamber

[Earl Howe]

My Lords, I recognise, as will the House, the noble and right reverend Lord’s experience in these matters. At this early stage, we will look very carefully at the design of systems to ensure that the expertise and the scrutiny functions, which we associate so well with the HFEA, are not diluted or lost in any moves that we make in this area.

[Baroness Warwick of Undercliffe]

My Lords, I declare my interest as chair of the Human Tissue Authority. Just as with the HFEA, the HTA works efficiently and effectively to ensure public and professional confidence in the regulation of human tissue, and to ensure that it is used safely and ethically and with proper consent. Does the Minister agree that it is crucial in any transfer of functions that the confidence of both the public and professionals is maintained; that consent, respect and dignity are maintained; and that any disruption to well-regarded regulation is kept to a minimum?

[Earl Howe]

My Lords, again, I thank the noble Baroness for the work that she does with the HTA. The answer is yes in every case.