49. In order to oversee the development of cloning technology, we recommend that a National Standing Committee should be established. Whilst this committee might be established under MAFF, it should cross departmental boundaries in its liaison with the Home Office regarding research applications, and Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR) regarding possible release of genetically manipulated organisms. The committee might also address other breeding technologies as proposed in the Banner Report.
50. The functions of the committee should be to monitor research on cloning and other related technologies (in liaison with the Animal Procedures Committee, the statutory advisory committee under ASPA); to consider applications to take the procedure beyond the scope of ASPA; to consider the controls needed to protect the welfare of agricultural animals involved in cloning and to maintain genetic diversity; to advise on patenting; and to monitor the effectiveness of regulations once implemented. The committee would thus begin life in an advisory capacity and in due course, if appropriate, be granted a regulatory role. The membership of the committee should be balanced and wide ranging while still maintaining expertise. It should include representation from scientists, the agriculture industry, veterinary surgeons and lay persons. A majority on the committee should be independent of the scientific and industry interests likely to benefit from the technology.
51. A National Standing Committee should be established to oversee the development of cloning technology. The committee should review outputs of research aimed at tackling the welfare problems identified in this report (and any other problems which may emerge); it should determine the time when it may be appropriate to introduce cloning into commercial agricultural practice; and it should ensure that the controls by then in place are both adequate and effectively implemented.