Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority in relation to the regulation of donor conception.

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) is required by law to maintain records and make certain information available upon request to those affected by donor conception.

The HFEA was subject to a Public Bodies Review in 2023, where all aspects of the HFEA’s activity and performance was considered. The report was published on 23 November 2023, and is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/human-fertilisation-and-embryology-authority-hfea-review-report/independent-review-of-the-human-fertilisation-and-embryology-authority-hfea-final-report-and-recommendations

The Department reviews performance through quarterly accountability meetings on a continuing basis, which takes account of the recommendations set out in the report.