In January 1998, the HGAC (Human Genetics Advisory Commission) and HFEA (Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority) decided to form a joint working party to assess the legal, scientific, clinical and ethical issues arising from the development of cell nucleus replacement (CNR) technology. The consultation drew on the views of a broad cross section of society and a range of experts, and their recommendations were published in December the same year (HGAC Papers 1998, www.dti.gov.uk/hgac). Amongst other things, they were able to recommend that the present law governing the creation of, and the use to which human embryos may be put in research (HFE Act 1990, covering in vitro fertilisation) should be extended to allow the development of therapies for the replacement of diseased or damaged tissue or organs. This would allow research using embryos created via CNR and would clearly include tissue replacement for Parkinson's Disease.

On June 24th 1999, the then Secretary of State for Health, Frank Dobson, rejected this advice. This decision was made in the wake of the BSE and GM food crises, amid great public concern regarding the rate and direction of the new technologies and never ending scare stories regarding cloning in the press. A new cloning panel was set up to reassess the issues involved (www.doh.gov.uk/cegc/). This was chaired by the Chief Medical Officer, Prof. Liam Donaldson and included the Chief Scientific Advisor to the Government Sir Robert May and a range of experts. They were due to report their findings on 31st Jan 2000, though due to an unforeseen delay they have yet to report. An announcement is expected very soon.

Even if the cloning panel reports favourably (which it may not), any amendments to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act (HFE 1990) will involve the passage of a Bill through the two Houses of Parliament. There is likely to be considerable opposition to changes in the Bill, while time constraints might also prove limiting in the run up to the next General Election. It is conceivable that the delay of months envisaged by Ministers for the present reassessment will turn into years. For people with Parkinson's these delays are unacceptable.