Clause 26
Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill [Lords]
11:45 am
Dawn Primarolo (Minister of State (Public Health), Department of Health; Bristol South, Labour)
I absolutely agree. When the hon. Gentleman made that point, with justifications that he felt supported that view on access to information, he put it clearly. At the time I also said that in my view—this is certainly provided for as regards regulations—the issue is a matter for debate and consultation, which would need to take place before the regulations are drafted. There would then be consultation on the draft regulations before they went through the affirmative procedure in both Houses.
The measure appears where it does in the Bill because it contains regulation-making powers, and they tend to be placed at the back of an Act, in relation to the points that they connect to, so it is about drafting legislation. I say in all honesty to the hon. Member for Boston and Skegness that that is the advice from advisers, parliamentary counsel and all those who regularly write legislation. I tend to worry about the bigger issues of principle, rather than the consequential sequencing of the clauses. I hope he accepts that.