Synthetic Biology

Lord Alderdice Excerpts

Wednesday 2nd June 2010 Lords Chamber

[Lord Freud]

My Lords, I thank the noble Lord for his kind words. This is an important development and the UK takes a leading role in the area. We have several research establishments right at the forefront of this development, but I would take back from him the question of whether we should look at this brave new world—if you like—earlier rather than later. At the moment these are very early days in the development of this science.

[Lord Alderdice]

My Lords, in welcoming the Minister to his position, as I do, the noble Lord, Lord Haskel, expressed some surprise that his area of responsibility was relevant. However, it may be of interest to note that the United States Congress responded immediately to this development and that it was the Energy and Commerce Committee which undertook the hearing because genome synthesis is likely to be helpful in the creation of new forms of biofuel energy. Given that, would the Minister find it helpful if your Lordships’ House were to respond in the same way by bringing together not only medical and academic research, but also the ethical and scientific wisdom that is available in this House? Indeed, I wonder if one of the committees of the House would be prepared to undertake an investigation of the kind that has been referred to. Does he think, on behalf of Her Majesty’s Government, that that would be a helpful intervention by this House?

[Lord Freud]

My Lords, formally, BIS is the relevant authority in terms of supporting this new industry, not the DWP, which is in control of the safety aspects. However, that is an interesting proposal and we shall think about it.