First-cousin Marriage Debate
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Lord Foulkes of Cumnock
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First-cousin Marriage
Lord Foulkes of Cumnock Excerpts(1 week, 1 day ago)
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Baroness Merron (Lab)
The noble Lord is absolutely right that there is a whole range of factors in this area, and I am grateful to him for bringing that before your Lordships’ House. He will of course be aware of the main pillars in the 10-year plan: for example, moving from sickness to prevention, which is key. The noble Lord also mentioned tackling smoking, which we will continue to drive forward. But I wanted to use the Question to highlight that the NIHR is undertaking research projects into improving early recognition, diagnosis and treatment of specific genetic and congenital diseases, particularly in communities with high rates of marriage between close relations. So, to the specific point, I again hope that that will be helpful.
Lord Foulkes of Cumnock (Lab Co-op)
Will my noble friend have discussions with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office about the data for and experience in some of our overseas territories, particularly Tristan da Cunha and St Helena?
Baroness Merron (Lab)
Yes; that will be extremely helpful in this regard, and I thank my noble friend.