Clause 2 - Consequential and retrospective provision
Human Fertilisation and Embryology (Deceased Fathers) Bill
12:45 pm
Dr Evan Harris (Oxford West and Abingdon, Liberal Democrat)
I must briefly return to my earlier point because I think that I was misunderstood. Presumably, the reference in clause 2 to
``on or after 1st August 1991''
relates to the coming into force of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990. That regulates the storage of gametes and embryos and their subsequent use in fertility treatment. Would it not be appropriate in clause 2(2) to state that the Act will apply to any case where the sperm of a man—or an embryo that was brought about with the sperm of a man—was stored or used on or after 1 August 1991? That would ensure that the provisions, despite their shortcomings, apply from the moment of storage, which the Act governs. Will the hon. Gentleman indicate that he understands my point?