Clause 46 - Offences relating to non-consensual analysis of DNA
Human Tissue Bill
10:45 am
Mr Andrew Lansley (South Cambridgeshire, Conservative)
Oh. PCR. Anyway, it is possible to derive a chemical sequence from the material and then not undertake DNA analysis on that material. I hope that I am correct and the hon. Member for Norwich, North will tell me if I not. From a legal perspective, however, the analysis does not occur on the material but on a sequence derived from the material. Is that issue properly covered?
My third question relates to amendments Nos. 187 and 188 and whether the provisions are consistent with earlier provisions on the importation of bodies or relevant material from bodies, which we have discussed. Amendment No. 132 explored whether RNA should be covered as well as DNA. Again, I would hate to explain it.
Taken together, amendments Nos. 96 and 133 are designed to determine whether it is possible to extend the list of excepted research purposes and ensure that the material is anonymised and cannot be used subsequently to identify anyone. That is important. If the material is anonymised and there are no consequences on the person concerned, considerable benefits for medical research would arise as specific consent would not be needed for every case.