Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill [HL]

My Lords, I beg to move that the House do agree with the Commons in their Amendment No. 2. These amendments add powers in relation to the regulation of human admixed embryos, to provide consistency with provisions, and in particular with prohibitions, relating to the use of human embryos. Amendment No. 2 adds a new regulation-making power. The amendment mirrors an existing power that relates to human embryos, which enables restriction of the circumstances in which human admixed embryos can be kept or used. This could be important if, for example, it became necessary to shorten the 14-day limit in some circumstances. Amendment No. 27 is a consequential amendment. Government Amendments Nos. 2 and 27 ensure that the Bill is consistent by providing a power, which enables the restriction of the circumstances in which human admixed embryos can be kept or used which mirrors the provision for regulating human embryos. The noble Lord, Lord Alton, has tabled an amendment to Amendment No. 2 and I shall respond to it after he has spoken to his amendments. Moved, That the House do agree with the Commons in their Amendment No. 2.—(Lord Darzi of Denham.)