EFFECT OF GENETICALLY-MODIFIED CROPS ON THIRD WORLD COUNTRIES

Early day motion 1302, tabled 11 May 1998 by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 51 members.

That this House notes with concern developments in genetically-manipulated crops; believes the concentration of power among a small number of multinational companies presents a grave threat to farmers in the Third World; in particular, condemns the so-called terminator gene, which will stop farmers using farm-saved seed; further condemns the irresponsible use of Third World countries for field trials of genetically modified organisms; and calls on the Government to challenge the basis for decision-making within the World Trade Organisation which otherwise will allow these developments to proceed unhindered.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 25, Labour 22, Labour/Co-operative 3, UUP 1.