Hon Phillida Bunkle
Associate Minister for the Environment

Media Statement
10 April 2000

GE Inquiry Speculation Premature

The Government is yet to finalise details of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into GE and discussing details of a moratorium are purely speculative at this stage, the Associate Minister of Environment Hon Phillida Bunkle said today.

The Inquiry is on the Cabinet agenda today, but a formal announcement is not expected until next week.

"While the Commission is investigating, there will be a robust moratorium. When the details of the moratorium are announced, and people will be reassured that measures addressing safety issues are a primary feature."

"My job is to advocate strongly for Alliance policy and that is what I have done and the end result will reflect this," the Minister said.

"Contrary to reports, the Alliance party has not backed down on its policy to seek a compulsory moratorium on Genetic Engineering," Ms Bunkle said.

"Labour and Alliance are firmly committed to a Royal Commission investigating the issues surrounding this technology and have involved the Greens in discussions throughout. " Ms Bunkle said.

ENDS

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