Clause 11 - Remit
Human Tissue Bill
9:45 am
Dr Evan Harris (Oxford West and Abingdon, Liberal Democrat)
Will the Minister make clear her perspective on exhibitions such as ''Bodyworlds''? I do not demur from the general thrust of what the hon. Member for Westbury (Dr. Murrison) said, but where certain conditions are met it should be possible for adults to view displays such as those at ''Bodyworlds'' and to watch anatomical examinations. I imagine that those qualifying conditions would involve the clear consent of the people concerned, as in the consent provisions in part 1, and the licensing of the premises and of the person in charge.
I should like the Minister to confirm that the Government will seize the opportunity presented by the Bill to make it clear that they will not censor properly regulated public displays of human anatomy which adults in this country might wish to see. Indeed, engaging in an informed discussion about what happens to our bodies after our death can demystify aspects of human anatomy. Clearly von Hagens's public post mortem or autopsy was not ideal from many points of view. This is an opportunity to establish what is permitted and how such activities will be regulated rather than to use the measure as an excuse to ban such displays completely.