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<p>As stated in my Written Answer of 3 December 2014 (<em>Official Report</em>, Column
WA270), the development of a working definition for genetic modification in humans
was undertaken in order to bring clarity to the discussion around mitochondrial donation
and is solely intended to be used in this context. There is no universally agreed
definition of genetic modification in humans and the working definition devised for
the debate on mitochondrial donation did not aim to establish one. The Chief Medical
Officer was clear in her evidence to the House of Commons Science and Technology Select
Committee on 22 October 2014 that the definition’s purpose is to clarify discussion
of this issue.</p><p> </p><p>With regard to the discussions that took place in developing
the working definition, in developing its position the Department, in consultation
with the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, also had discussions with
the Wellcome Trust and the Nuffield Council on Bioethics.</p><p> </p>
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