Evan Harris (Shadow Minister, Innovation, Universities and Skills; Oxford West & Abingdon, Liberal Democrat)

I want to raise the unfortunate recent case of Dr. Taranissi’s clinic and the HFEA. My understanding of the clause and new schedule 3B is that this is a significant move. It must be done carefully and not carelessly. In the Taranissi case, the appropriate steps were not taken when a sudden inspection entry involving search and seizure took place. It was unfortunate that it happened with television cameras from “Panorama” present down the street.

I am sure the Minister would agree that the clause covers a serious business and that inspections should not be carried out for the implied benefit of the media. The HFEA, which gets a lot of unfair criticism, should not be using its powers to have a public relations exercise to show “Panorama”, the BBC or any other broadcaster or media that it is being tough. The powers that it has speak for themselves. Implemented responsibly, they can do the job. I hope that the Committee agrees that there should be no repetition of that media circus in these matters. The HFEA was in court and had to settle a significant sum of money at the public expense for using the powers inappropriately.

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