In the news

The Human Genetics Commission, the major advisory body for the UK Government in the area of human genetics, has announced its work programme and priorities for the year 2000/2001. Foremost among its plans is the setting up of a working group that will examine issues concerned with the storage, protection and use of genetic information. The working group will collate information on existing protections for such information, monitor developments in the use of genetic information by third parties such as insurance companies and employers, develop a programme to consult the public on the issues (including a public consultative conference in Newcastle on 27 November), and submit a final report to Government ministers by autumn 2001. The HGC will also maintain a watching brief on several other areas that emerged as areas of concern in its public consultation about its work plan. It will monitor the development of the Genetics Strategy Project by the NHS Executive; monitor and review existing guidance on "over the counter" genetic tests; look into the social and ethical issues raised by patents that encompass gene sequence information; and liaise with the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority in monitoring the issues raised by new technologies that affect reproductive choice. The work plan includes lists of the key targets and outputs associated with each area of work, together with target dates. As highlighted in last month's newsletter, the HGC has decided that from next year all of its full meetings will be open to the public as observers, and that the minutes of its subgroups' meetings will be published. The HGC website is also being developed as a source of information on key topics of relevance to human genetics.