Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government further to the Written Answers by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath on 7 June 2007 (WA 203–4) and by Lord Darzi of Denham on 18 May (WA 250–1), whether the requirements of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 (as subsequently amended) permit the use of cloning for therapeutic purposes where this does not involve the derivation of stem cells, such as the use of nuclear transfer in reproduction.
Answer
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008 (the 2008 Act), most of which is to be commenced on 1 October 2009, sets out in primary legislation a complete prohibition on the implantation in a woman of any embryo created by reproductive cloning. This reflects the fact that Parliament has made clear that it does not want to see reproductive cloning take place. The 2008 Act contains a regulation-making power which would permit the use of cell nuclear transfer for the specific therapeutic purpose of preventing the transmission of serious mitochondrial diseases. This power is about helping couples conceive a child without the faulty mitochondria that affect the maternal line. In order for any such regulations to come into force they would have to be consulted upon, and debated and approved by Parliament.