To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many (a) letters and (b) postcards he has received since July from (i) members of the public, (ii) hon. Members and (iii) members of the House of Lords about (A) the creation of human/animal hybrids and (B) the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill; how many and what percentage (1) supported and (2) opposed each; and if he will make a statement. (190790)

The Department has received two relevant postcard campaigns since July 2007. We have received 6,093 postcards on a campaign organised by the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children, which we started receiving in September 2007, part of which expresses opposition to any Bill that could lead to admixed embryos. We have also received 1,461 postcards issued by the All Party Parliamentary Pro-Life Group, which we started receiving in February 2008, asking hon. Members to vote against the creation of admixed embryos.

In addition to these campaigns, the Department has received a large volume of correspondence on issues surrounding embryos research, however due to the way in which correspondence is recorded the information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost.