Fed: Govt to look at NZ GM royal commission findings

AAP General News (Australia)
08-01-2001
Fed: Govt to look at NZ GM royal commission findings

The federal government will examine the findings of a New Zealand royal commission
which has backed the use of gene modification in agriculture and medicine.

Health Minister MICHAEL WOOLDRIDGE says although Australia already has tough rules
on GM products there may be something to learn from New Zealand's experience.

He is being backed by Biotechnology Australia which describes the royal commission
as the world's first appraisal of GM technology.

But the Australian Greens have increased their attacks on the findings, saying the
commission has ignored the will of the people.

The commission found a ban on GM products would disadvantage New Zealand, lead to a
contraction in the economy and hurt possible research into GM medicine.

It backed the continued open trials of GM crops, and found banning GM food and medicine
was not economically viable.

AAP RTV sw/daw/jas/jn

KEYWORD: NZ GENETIC AUST (CANBERRA)

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