Although they have publicly banned genetic research, the church has been carrying it out in secret.

We might have had, though, had they not banned further research and development.

It was his speech to explain his decision to ban most stem-cell research.

The U.N. itself has no authority to ban research, but the nations that sign a convention are expected to follow through with legislation.

Mr. McCurry said he was not aware of any existing regulations that would ban such research on animals in this country.

In July, the House passed a bill to ban any human cloning, not only for reproduction but also medical research.

Its effect has been to require licensing for procedures such as in vitro fertilisation and to ban research using human embryos more than 14 days old.

They also want to ban research on human fetuses, and have expressed skepticism for proposals to liberalize the biotechnology laws in Norway.

But we should not ban scientific research that has so much potential to bring help and hope to millions of citizens.

For obvious ethical reasons there is at present a consensus within the international scientific community on banning research into human cloning.