Asked by: Baroness Berridge (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask His Majesty's Government when they intend to introduce a Mental Health Bill, as proposed by the then Prime Minister in May 2017.
Answered by Lord Markham - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)
It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.
Asked by: Baroness Berridge (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the World Health Organisation about the ethical issues and potential long-term risks associated with gene-edited babies born in China.
Answered by Baroness Manzoor
There are conflicting media reports on claims of genetic modification in China. We will continue to monitor the situation. We have had no discussion with the Chinese Government or World Health Organization regarding the ethical issues and risks associated with the gene-edited babies born in China. The procedure alleged to have been carried out by Prof He Jiankui in China would be illegal in the United Kingdom. It would be an offence under the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990, punishable, on conviction, by a prison term of up to 10 years, a fine or both.