Vol. 549 No. 2
97 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has studied the recent landmark judgment in the UK which found that nothing could stop scientists from legally cloning a baby; and if the Commission on Assisted Human Reproduction established by him has met with the UK Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority and the British Fertility Society to discuss the implications of the judgment, as reported in a publication (details supplied). [6166/02]
The UK High Court judgment referred to by the Deputy was subsequently overturned by the UK Court of Appeal in January 2002. I understand that while the Commission on Assisted Human Reproduction has met with the UK Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, and the British Fertility Society, such meetings took place prior to the High Court judgment in question. I should point out that cloning is among a number of key issues which have been referred to the Commission on Assisted Human Reproduction for examination in the context of discharging its remit "to prepare a report on the possible approaches to the regulation of all aspects of assisted human reproduction and the social, ethical and legal factors to be taken into account in determining public policy in the area." The publication of the commission's report will provide the basis for informed public debate before the finalisation of any policy proposals.
