Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill [Lords]

My hon. Friend may be confusing the issue. For example, if somebody has cystic fibrosis, it is possible now to attempt to introduce genes, by various mechanisms, into the lung cells to prevent what we call somatic disease. However, a disease could also pass into the gametes, and be passed on from the person who is being treated to their children, should they be fortunate enough to have children. It is then in the genetic line. Part of my brain can see why we ban such research at the moment, but another part says, ““Perhaps one day we'll get lucky.”” In other words, perhaps we will be able to knock out genetic disabilities. Many genetic diseases—250 or 300 of them—could then be completely knocked out. We should not throw the baby out with the bath water.