Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill [Lords]

Yes indeed; I am delighted to do so. I am grateful to my hon. Friend, whose argument I find very interesting. The point about 14 days is a scientific fact; it is the appearance of the primitive streak—the point at which brain cells start to differentiate. Before that there is a completely different scientific situation. That is why the period of 14 days is significant and quite different from 13 or 15 days.