Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Genomics Databases

Thursday 5 December 2024 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial discussions covered the merits of designating genomics databases as critical national infrastructure.
  • The Government acknowledged the importance of genomics databases for research and security.
  • Concerns were raised about balancing national security and economic growth in relation to genomic data.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Alistair Carmichael Lib Dem Orkney and Shetland
NHS Science & Technology
Context

Discussions on the potential merits of designating genomics databases as critical national infrastructure.

Question

What recent discussions has he had with the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology on the potential merits of designating genomics databases as critical national infrastructure?

Answer from Pat McFadden

Genomics is a great British success story, and our genomics databases are vital for world-leading life sciences and health research. The organisations that have such databases have to provide data protection and security training, and have to make sure that researchers can access data only for approved purposes. The opportunities come with risks, which is why the Government will always try to minimise the risks of biological data to protect our bio-economy. We are working on this issue across Government Departments and through our national security structures.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify whether genomics databases will be designated as critical national infrastructure or provide concrete discussions had with the Secretary of State.

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Q2 Alistair Carmichael Lib Dem Orkney and Shetland
Foreign Affairs Science & Technology
Context

In light of resetting the relationship with China, questions about ensuring British genomics interests are not left vulnerable.

Question

I take it that genomics databases will not be designated as critical national infrastructure, then, which was the question. As the Government seek to reset the relationship with China, will Ministers be mindful of the old maxim that you need a long-handled spoon to sup with the devil, and of the fact that Chinese genomics companies such as BGI do not behave as normal commercial competitors? Will the Secretary of State ensure that the interests of British genomics are not left vulnerable as a consequence of any reset relationship?

Answer from Pat McFadden

The right hon. Member asks a very important question about the twin interests of national security and economic growth. In this territory, we work with UK organisations that hold genomic data to make sure that they have robust data protection systems in place, and our security services give them advice on these matters on a regular basis, so that our pursuit of growth does not conflict with our very important national security objectives.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify any concrete actions or commitments to ensure British genomics interests are protected when resetting the relationship with China.

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