Ministers to back ''cloning revolution'' in Britain

London, Nov 18 (UNI) Babies made by cloning techniques from the DNA of two women could be born within 10 years as ministers in Britain prepare to allow embryos produced by biological material from three parents.

A new Bill, to be debated in the House of Commons tomorrow, opens the door for such hybrid eggs to be implanted in women.

The procedure is designed to find a cure for mitochondrial disease, a range of life-threatening conditions that affect one in 10,000 people.

Scientists believe that it would usher a new wave of groundbreaking genetic research that could prevent thousands of children from being born with debilitating diseases which could lead to epilepsy, diabetes and fatal damage to vital organs.

Religious groups and campaigners, however, are concerned about the development in human genetics, saying that it is the beginning of ''human cloning and the approval of Frankenstein science''.

Any move to allow the creation of a child with the technique would most probably spark a row in the House of Commons and protests outside, The Independent reported.

The clause would permit embryos to be created from the nucleus of a woman's egg, her partner's sperm and another woman's donated mitochondria, which surround the egg's nucleus and are vital for cell growth.

Researchers believe that within five years the procedure could be used to carry out trials to create babies.

UNI