Fed: Pro-cloning scientist could address cabinet

AAP General News (Australia)
08-10-2006
Fed: Pro-cloning scientist could address cabinet

CANBERRA, Aug 10 AAP - Prime Minister John Howard has not ruled out allowing his scientific
adviser to speak to cabinet about embryonic stem cells even though their views differ.

Chief Scientist Jim Peacock yesterday urged coalition MPs to vote for change, warning
the prime minister's "cautious approach" to stem cell research could prevent a scientific
breakthrough.

"My personal view is with appropriate rules and regulations it is something we should
be doing," he told The Australian at the launch of National Science Week yesterday.

Present laws allow spare IVF embryos to be used in research but ban therapeutic cloning.

In June, cabinet ruled against changing the law despite an independent committee's
report that recommended allowing scientists to harvest embryos for the purpose of producing
stem cells.

But following a backbench revolt, Mr Howard said he would allow a party room debate,
and earlier this week said a special meeting would he held in the next fortnight to discuss
the issue.

Mr Howard today said he liked and respected Dr Peacock but it was not normal protocol
to allow direct addresses to cabinet.

"But I'm not frightened to hear his views and I'm sure I'll have an opportunity in
different ways to talk to him about it," he said.

"But I don't want that answer to be taken as a commitment (that) yes we will have him
address cabinet."

Mr Howard said Dr Peacock had formed his opinion from a totally scientific point of view.

"And I respect that," he said.

"Our disposition is, as you know, that I am going to have a discussion in the party
room and let everybody have a go and express their views on it.

"I understand the sensitivities, but I also understand we are dealing with a fairly
important fundamental issue and I would always want to take, as I always do, the counsel
of my parliamentary colleagues."

There is widespread support for a conscience vote to be held on the issue, including
among Labor and some Liberal backbenchers.

Australian Democrats senator Natasha Stott Despoja has said if the prime minister does
not bring the issue to parliament, she will facilitate the debate by introducing a private
member's bill supporting embryonic stem cell research.

Meanwhile, Mr Howard would not say if he discussed embryonic stem cells with Family
First Senator Steve Fielding at a meeting today.

AAP jb/sb/jt/jlw

KEYWORD: STEMCELLS

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