LETTER : `New genetics' debate under way

From Sir Giles Shaw

Sir: Your leading article "Ancient law and modern science" (24 April) calls for "a full debate aimed at devising legislation to set rules governing a host of issues ranging from genetic testing and insurance to patenting, experimentation and confidentiality".

While you acknowledge that the Select Committee on Science and Technology is to hear evidence from the Jewish and Anglican (and Roman Catholic) religious traditions, you seem unaware that this is to be the last evidence session in an inquiry which began last November.

Our aim has been to do exactly as you wish - to stimulate debate and to consider the legislation needed to deal with the issues raised by "the new genetics".

Yours sincerely,

GILES SHAW

MP for Pudsey (Con)

House of Commons

London, SW1

24 April

The writer is chairman of the Science and Technology Committee of the House of Commons.