Thousands of human embryos will be collected in the world's first cell bank, according to a British newspaper report today.
Couples who have undergone fertility treatment will be asked to donate embryos left over from IVF, according to the Daily Mailnewspaper.
The Medical Research Council will announce its creation on September 11th, the paper reports.
A Department of Health spokeswoman says a cell bank was recommended by a panel chaired by Chief Medical Officer Sir Liam Donaldson.
"We welcome the initiative of the MRC to establish a national stem cell bank," she said.
"This was one of the key recommendations of the Donaldson committee report, Stem Cell Research - Medical Progress With Responsibility - published in August 2000.
"It is important to realise that the MRC cell bank will provide a wide range of stem cells including from adult tissue as well as embryos."
PA