Question
To ask Her Majesty's Government further to the Written Answers by Lord Darzi of Denham on 3 June (WA 87–8), whether outgrowing embryos could not be used to derive embryonic stem cells by Roslin Cells Limited if the latest inspection report for that centre does not contain details of the embryo culture method used, and if no licence permits the culture of a "live human embryo" beyond 14 days or the appearance of the primitive streak (whichever comes first).
Answer
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) has advised that at all inspections, the authority's inspectors are required to check that there is a procedure in place to ensure that embryos are not cultured for longer than 14 days or after the appearance of the primitive streak. In respect of the culturing of embryos and stem cell derivation, the HEFA has confirmed that it has nothing further to add to the responses given to the noble Lord on 3 June 2009 (WA 87-8) and 24 June 2008 (WA 227).