Lord Sainsbury under fire over GM link

10 February 1999

Lord Sainsbury under fire over GM link

LORD SAINSBURY, the trade and industry minister, is facing renewed accusations of a potential conflict of interest between his business interests and the governments policy on genetically modified (GM) foods.

John Redwood, the Conservative spokesman on trade and industry, said Lord Sainsbury should not be allowed to take any decisions on GM foods.

Mr Redwood claimed that Lord Sainsburys continuing interest as a shareholder in the Sainsbury supermarket chain appears to indicate his approval of GM foods.

Mr Redwood has also asked the government to reveal whether Lord Sainsbury has maintained an interest in the Gatsby Trust, a charitable foundation that allegedly funds the promotion of GM products.

• The Independent 10/02/99 page 8