Ministers clamp down on GM crops

10 February 1998

Ministers clamp down on GM crops

MINISTERS have blocked any early sowing of the first “herbicide-friendly” oilseed rape in Britain by introducing a long consultation period.

The Guardian says the Government has effectively halted the planting of the first genetically modified crops in Britain, dealing a blow to the £250 billion biotechnology industry.

The industry had hoped for approval of the first licences this month. It is now likely to take up to three years to reach a final decision.

This follows growing protests from environmentalists and Government agencies. The French Government has imposed a similar delay.

Jeff Rooker, food safety minister and Lord Donoghue, farm minister, are due to meet this month to discuss the implication of the decision on other applications.

• The Guardian 10/02/98 page 1