03/15 07:29 UK govt denies pressure for genetic crops freeze
(adds comment from Downing Street)
LONDON, March 15 (Reuters) - The British government on Monday
denied asking companies producing genetically modified crops to
wait another three years before commercial plantings, but did not
dispute reports that a voluntary moratorium would go ahead.
"There has been no secret deal. We have always said that before
full-scale commercialisation of GM crops takes place we have to be
sure that there is no harm to the environment," a spokesman for
Prime Minister Tony Blair told reporters.
"There is already an agreement with the industry that farm-scale trials
are essential and we remain in discussions with the industry on how
those trials should be conducted," he said.
"Should the industry decide to go ahead with a three-year voluntary
moratorium that is a matter for them. We are interested in ensuring
there is full proper environmental assessment before full-scale
commercial planting."
The spokesman said it was incorrect to say the government had
asked the companies for a further delay in commercial planting.
Newspapers reported on Monday that the companies were ready to
bow to pressure from the government and halt commercial growing
for three years following a wave of public concern.
According to an earlier agreement commercial planting would have
begun in 2000.
Government officials -- acting in the wake of a media scare about the
possible dangers of GM crops -- have held confidential talks with the
firms at the centre of the controversy including Monsanto <MTC.N>,
Novartis <NOVZn.S> and Zeneca <ZEN.L>.
Blair's government has also said it will introduce new rules on
labelling of GM products sold in shops and restaurants.
Lord Sainsbury, the science minister who sits on the Cabinet's
sub-committee on biotechnology, on Sunday welcomed the prospect
of a voluntary ban.
Agriculture Minister Nick Brown on Sunday condemned the media for
running a "series of scare stories" about GM foods.
"But I am strongly in favour of making sure that consumers are
properly informed and that they can make their own choices," he told
Sky TV.
Some scientists fear GM crops could threaten biodiversity and they
also cite implications on wildlife and the environment, a build-up of
antibiotic resistance and possible genetic damage to animals and
humans.
But other researchers believe the dangers are exaggerated. They say
the possible benefits -- including pest-resistance and hardier plants
that are cheaper, more nutritious and tastier -- as well as higher crop
yields outweigh any drawbacks. |
