Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Thornton on 6 April 2010 (WA 393), whether the activities authorised by Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority research licence R0152 still include the derivationof stem cell lines from embryos created by cell nuclear replacement using nuclei taken from a patient with type 1 diabetes; and, if not, when it ceased to be an activity covered by the licence.
Answer
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) has advised that research licence R0152, issued by the authority, currently permits the derivation of stem cell lines from embryos created by cell nuclear replacement using nuclei taken from sources that may include a patient with type 1 diabetes. The current licence period expires on 31 July 2011. With regard to information communicated to the HFEA, relevant to the licensing of research, the authority has advised that it has nothing to add to the information given to the noble Lord in my Written Answer of 28 February 2011 (Official Report, cols. WA 218-19).