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21 Oct 1998
Campaigners against genetically modified food and crops suspect that the two Departments have different views about the new technology: DETR is known to be concerned about the commercial development of GM crops, whilst MAFF is thought to be more enthusiastic.
Earlier this month (Saturday, 10 October) Michael Meacher confirmed that the Government was considering a moratorium on the commercial development of GM crops. He told the Today programme that “there can be no question of commercial growing even if we did nothing before next spring...we have to respond to the widespread public concern.” He confirmed that “English Nature are very concerned about the impact on biodiversity” and said that “there is a need for more time for research to be completed”.
However, the previous week, Farmers Weekly (2 October 1998) reported a fringe meeting at the Labour conference at which Mr Rooker spoke saying that “He [Mr Rooker] dismissed calls by some environmental campaigners to make the UK a GM-free zone as impractical and an ideal not shared by Government. He also rejected calls for a moratorium”.
Earlier in the year a MORI survey revealed that 77 per cent of the public did not want commercial crops to be developed in the UK. Yesterday FOE published the results of a NOP poll showing that 58 per cent of shoppers didn't want GM food in their supermarkets.
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