Government stands firm on GMs
29 April 1999
Government stands firm on GMs
THE government has reiterated its policy on genetically modified (GM) food, despite what the opposition called growing public concern.
Cabinet minister Jack Cunningham told a select committee of MPs he had seen the first draft of a paper on the health implications of GM foods.
The paper, by the chief medical officer and the chief scientific adviser, had given him no cause for concern, said Mr Cunningham.
Tony Blair, the prime minister, also told the House of Commons that the government was not changing its position on GM food.
He was challenged by William Hague, the Tory leader, to ban such products until research had been completed.
Mr Hague said there was “accumulating evidence about the environmental risk of GM crops and mounting public anxiety on the subject.”
- New GM regulations due soon, FWi, yesterday (28 April, 1999)
- Cunningham attacks GM hysteria, FWi, 27 April, 1999
- New GM rules within weeks, FWi, 27 April, 1999
- Minister believes GM food unnecessary, FWi, 27 April, 1999
- Financial Times 29/04/99 page 13 (News Digest)
- The Daily Telegraph 29/04/99 page 20