The amendments moved by John Pugh, which were defeated by 215 to 299  (Genetic Engineering)  and 183 to 308 (Human gametes in Animals), came during the final stages of the controversial Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act which also allows the laboratory creation of animal/human embryos for experimental purposes

The MP believes that any hopes that such experiments will lead to miracle cures for disease like Motor Neurone Disease are outweighed by the dangers of diminishing respect for human life. “We are opening a Pandoras Box and though there is the promise of tight regulation, under the elusive promise of  curing disease, we are crossing boundaries we would not have contemplated years ago. Most research can now use stem cells from adults not specially created embryos.”

As the MP said in parliament, “Would it not be a sight as monstrous and strange as any hybrid creation to see MPs shuffle through the voting lobby to ensure scientists had the right to place human reproductive cells in animals?”

Yet that is exactly what they did on Wednesday.

Get the full text of the speech here .

Those wishing to know more about the issues involved may find Embryology Bill: the key points on the BBC website useful.