Stem cell Bill moves to the Senate

The stage has been for a final Senate debate on a Bill permitting research on embryonic human stem cells following the legislation's passage by a three-to-one margin in the House of Representatives.

But any vote by the upper House must await a report from a Senate community affairs legislation committee which this week concluded four days of intensive hearings on the Bill.

Chaired by WA Liberal Sen Susan Knowles, who favors pursuing both embryonic and adult stem cell research, the committee is due to table its report by October 24.

The committee was deluged with more than 1000 submissions and listened to presentations from nearly 50 representatives of groups taking part in the embryonic stem cells debate.

They included leading scientists from both camps, notably immunologist Prof Michael Good, an opponent of the Bill, and stem cell researcher Prof Alan Trounson, who supports it.

Good said he was "disappointed but not surprised" by this week's 99-33 House of Representatives pro-Bill vote.

Along with many other observers, Good expects the Senate vote to be much closer, with a margin that may be in the single digits.

"There is a definite chance the Senate will turn it down," Good said.

He intends to continue his lobbying efforts until the Senate vote which could take place in November or December.

Like the House of Representatives, the Senate will engage in a conscience vote on the issue.

The government would like to see the vote finalised before Senate rises for the year on Dec 12.

However that hope could be dimmed if events in Iraq force themselves onto the floor of Parliament in the next few months.