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Leeds GM block bid fails
CAMPAIGNERS have failed to persuade a minister to delay a meeting about Leeds University plans to grow genetically-modified potatoes.
GM Freeze and Friends of the Earth wrote to Hilary Benn, the Leeds Central MP and Secretary of State for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), asking him to prevent his scientific advisors from discussing the application before public consultation ended.
But the meeting of the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment (Acre), which advises ministers on the risks of genetically-modified (GM) organisms, went ahead as planned.
Clare Oxborrow, of environmental group Friends of the Earth, said it should have delayed the meeting so issues raised by the public could be considered alongside information provided by the university.
She added: "It would be very bad for democracy and public oversight of scientific research if the public's views are seen to carry less weight than those wishing to release GM crops."
But a spokeswoman for Defra said responses received from the public had been discussed and no decision would be made until the consultation process was over.
Leeds University's Centre for Plant Sciences applied to Defra in January asking for permission to cultivate around 4,000 GM potatoes on a 1,000m sq plot at the School of Biology Field Research Unit, Headley Hall, Tadcaster.
If the project gets the go-ahead the vegetables would be modified to repel potato cyst nematodes – a common pest introduced to the UK in the 18th century.
Scientists want to establish the level of resistance created in the GM vegetables.
It is a legal requirement to consult the public and the deadline for their comments is March 3.
Leeds Central MP Mr Benn will make the final decision on whether the project gets the green light, "based on expert advice and public representations".
l To comment on the application write to the GMTeam, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Area 4D, Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London SW1P 3JR, stating application reference number 07/R31/01, or email gm-regulation@defra.gsi.gov.uk.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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