GENETIC MODIFICATION PUBLIC DEBATE

Early day motion 1466, tabled 24 June 2003 by Michael Meacher (Labour). Signed by 80 members.

That this House welcomes the Government's decision to initiate a major public debate on GM food and crops; urges all constituents to join in this debate through the use of the questionnaire on www.gmnation.org.uk; notes the deep public concern that has been widely expressed to date on the health and environmental implications of GM food and crops; further notes that much of the research evidence relevant to this debate will not be available within the timeframe of the consultation period; and therefore calls on the Government to extend the consultation period to enable maximum public participation on a fully informed basis.

Signatures by party: Labour 41, Liberal Democrat 23, Conservative 6, Labour/Co-operative 5, Plaid Cymru 2, Independent Ulster Unionist 1, Scottish National Party 1, UUP 1.