Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2003-11-17-Speech-1-078"
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"en.20031117.6.1-078"2
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"Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, this debate can clearly not avoid the basic issue and fail to deal with the fundamental ethical problems, even though they are not what we are here to discuss and decide on now. If they were the issue, I would happily say to Mr Cappato – who criticised national legislation banning this type of research for being prejudiced – that there is no prejudice here; this word is always used as a smokescreen when there is disagreement. This is a principle, not a prejudice – the principle that an embryo has human life. More than this, it is a known fact and recognition of this fact.
This is not, however, what we are here to discuss. As various speakers have stated, we are only looking at the issue of European funding for this type of research. On this point I fully agree with Mr Bowe, who holds a completely different view of the basic issue. He said – and I agree with him – that there is no European consensus on this issue and because there is no European consensus there can be no European funding in this area. That and that alone is the issue at stake. Otherwise, we will be breaching the principle of subsidiarity, which we believe must be scrupulously observed. If there are Member States that wish to undertake this type of research, then let them. If it is legal in their countries, let them, but let them do so with their own financial resources. Using Community funds, particularly funds contributed by citizens in countries where such procedures are illegal and are even prohibited by law, would constitute a breach of the principle of subsidiarity. This would constitute a financial breach of the substance of the principle of subsidiarity.
This is basically what we are fighting for in this debate, although we are happy to engage in ethical debate if necessary. We must emphasise, however, that this is not the real issue. Furthermore, I wish to add my voice to those of my fellow Members who are calling for greater priority and greater investment to be given to research into adult stem cells. I urge the House to support the amendments tabled by Mr Gargani, which express the opinion adopted by a majority in the Committee on Legal Affairs and the Internal Market."@en1
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