Fed: Crean says prefer to debate laws together

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Fed: Crean says prefer to debate laws together

CANBERRA, Aug 21 AAP - Opposition Leader Simon Crean today said he would prefer todebate plans to allow embryonic stem cell research and ban human cloning as one new law,not split them for a vote.

Moves are afoot in the federal parliament to split the bill.

In its current form, MPs voting against embryonic stem cell research would in effectbe voting for human cloning.

Mr Crean said while he had an open mind on the splitting process, he would prefer thebill remain intact.

"I prefer the bill to be kept intact because that represents the agreement that wasreached at COAG (Council of Australian Governments)," Mr Crean told the Nine Network.

"But we'll have a look at what's proposed by way of the split.

"If the process of the split goes to the substance, of course a conscience vote canbe held on that.

"But Labor, I think, will still be arguing the bill not be split, but allowing a consciencevote on that issue as well."

Prime Minister John Howard introduced the Research Involving Embryos and Prohibitionof Human Cloning Bill 2002 in June following agreement between the commonwealth, statesand territories in April.

AAP lm/las/de

KEYWORD: STEMCELL CREAN