FUTURE OF THE HUMAN FERTILISATION AND EMBRYOLOGY AUTHORITY

Early day motion 1290, tabled 17 January 2011 by Kevin Barron (Labour). Signed by 39 members.

<span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana">That this House considers the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) </span><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: Verdana">to be a vital and irreplaceable body of national and international importance and reputation; believes that its expertise, developed over many years of licensing and regulating assisted reproductive therapy clinics and ensuring treatment is safe, is a priceless resource which must be retained and sustained for the future; notes that its funding is derived mostly from fees and that costs would inevitably increase if its functions were to be split; further notes too that its contribution to public safety and its rigorous protection of confidentiality enjoy a high level of public confidence which could be put at risk if the HFEA is dismantled; applauds the passionate defence of the HFEA by its chair, Lisa Jardine, and recognises the widespread support for its work across the scientific and medical communities; and calls on the Government to abandon plans to abolish the HFEA.</span>

Signatures by party: Labour 33, Liberal Democrat 2, Alliance 1, DUP 1, Plaid Cymru 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.