The bulk of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008 will come into force on 1 October.

BBC: Couple make plea to save embryos

She said the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act "yet again shows itself to be wearing very thin at the seams".

BBC: NEWS | Health | Women lose embryo battle

However, any such research, whether on cloned material or not, would require alterations to the 1990 Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act.

BBC: UK to 'approve therapeutic cloning'

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1991 requires clinics to take account of the welfare of the unborn child - including the need for a father.

BBC: NEWS | Health | Q&A: Infertility treatment

As part of the reforms to the 1990 Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act, the government intends to change the law to outlaw sex selection for non-medical reasons.

BBC: NEWS | Health | IVF 'need for father' rule may go