Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Earl Howe on 7 November (WA 8), how have the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority confirmed that gamete providers whose resulting embryos were used in research without their consent were promptly notified by licensed staff at the centres concerned.
Answer
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) has advised that the issues to which the noble Lord refers came to light during the inspection, in respect of research licences R0133 and R0075, on 2 May 2006. The findings of the inspection were considered by a HFEA licence committee on 26 July 2006. The inspection report and minutes of the Licence Committee are published on the HFEA's website at: http://guide.hfea.gov.uk/guidefinspection Report.aspx?code=102&s=1&&nav=4&archive=1. The HFEA has advised that the available records do not set out in any detail the steps taken by the authority with regards to the centre informing the gamete providers. The HFEA has also advised that it does not comment on its relationship with any person responsible or nominal licensees.