XENOTRANSPLANTATION

Early day motion 233, tabled 21 January 1999 by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 50 members.

That this House notes the recent submission of an application to the United Kingdom Xenotransplantation Interim Regulatory Authority (UKXIRA) to conduct a clinical trial of a xenotransplantation procedure on human subjects; notes that, despite the theoretical benefits to transplant patients, there are major scientific obstacles and hazards to public health, in particular, the potential of introducing a new viral pathogen into the wider population, which remain to be addressed; observes that the required legal sanctions to enforce the UKXIRA-recommended surveillance regimes for any recipients of animal tissue are currently absent; recognises serious ethical and animal welfare concerns generated by the practice; acknowledges the existence of widespread public unease regarding xenotransplantation, as evidenced by opinion polls and petitions; and, in light of these gaps in scientific knowledge, regulatory powers and the absence of informed public consent, calls upon the Government to withold permission for human xenotransplantation trials pending uniquivocal evidence of the microbiological safety and clinical effectiveness of xenotransplantation, and categorical public consent for the commencement of human trials and, subsequent to these conditions being satisfied, the introduction of the necessary legislation to ensure public health.

Signatures by party: Labour 30, Liberal Democrat 12, Conservative 3, Labour/Co-operative 2, Plaid Cymru 2, Independent Labour 1.