Narrow-minded interest groups opposing safe progress in medicine and food production have won the first round in the battle over Genetic Engineering, ACT Biosecurity Spokesman Owen Jennings said today.

“The Luddites have a lot to answer for – and not just to MS sufferers.

“The High Court ruling on Hamilton's Ruakura Research Centre reflects an application process that is so convoluted and complex that it seems almost impossible to negotiate.

“New Zealanders want – and deserve – a robust application process. This new ground in science demands caution and careful consideration. However, we have gone too far.

“Our application process is the most draconian and expensive in the world.

“The Luddites who have played on public fear and insisted on such irrational complexities must be reined in.

“The Government has staked its future on fostering hi-technology, ‘knowledge’ industries. They must now get control of the situation quickly and firmly.

“Sanity must prevail over dogmatic ideology,” MP Owen Jennings said.

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