The new health secretary, John Reid, today unveiled a £50m expansion of research into gene therapy in the NHS.

The three-year plan, set out in a genetics white paper, also includes safeguards to prevent the emergence of a "genetic underclass".

Launching the paper in the Commons today, Mr Reid said: "Our vision is for the NHS to lead the world in taking maximum advantage of the safe, effective and ethical application of the new genetic knowledge and technologies for all patients as soon as they become available."

The paper predicts that the first licensed gene therapy, which works by replacing defective genes with healthy copies, could be available within five to 10 years.

Urgent genetic test times will also be cut to just three days by 2006, it says.

Experts fear that genetic testing by insurers and employers could lead to discrimination against those likely to fall ill.

In response to such concerns, the paper proposes to make it an offence to test someone's DNA without their consent. A review of the evidence of unfairness against people on the grounds of their genetic characteristics will also be carried out.

Mr Reid said: "We need not fear genetic advances if we debate the issues openly and put in place the proper public protections today."

He added: "Increasing understanding of genetics will bring more accurate diagnosis, more personalised prediction of risk and more targeted and effective use of existing drugs."

The spending includes:

· £18m upgrading genetics laboratories
· £7m developing gene therapy in primary care
· £5.5m researching single gene disorders such as cystic fibrosis

The paper also sets out plans for a new genetics education and development centre for all healthcare staff.