New And Rebuttal Evidence To Be Presented

New And Rebuttal Evidence To Be Presented To Commission

Wellington - 7 March 2001: The Royal Commission on Genetic Modification will be hearing rebuttal evidence from Lysosomal Diseases New Zealand & New Zealand Organisation for Rare Diseases.

Of the nine applications for new and/or rebuttal evidence received by Friday, 2 March 2001, only one met the Commission's criteria for acceptance for hearing. A number of applicants brought new, printed material to the Commission's attention which will be considered, along with other information gleaned during the consultation process.

The Commission has agreed to hear rebuttal evidence put forward by Lysosomal Diseases New Zealand & New Zealand Organisation for Rare Diseases at 9:30am on Monday, 12 March 2001, not on Friday, 9 March 2001, as previously advised.

Presentations of closing submissions by 15 of the 107 "interested persons" heard by the Commission will commence on Monday, 12 March 2001, following the hearing of rebuttal evidence.

ENDS

Please note: Wai 262 Claimants, originally scheduled to speak to appear before the Commission on Wednesday 28 February 2001, have elected to not be rescheduled.

As part of the Maori Consultation Programme, workshops will next week be held in: Pukekohe (12 March 2001, 10:00am - 12:00pm, Huakina Development Trust, Huakina House, 15 Roulston Street), Hamilton (12 March 2001, 2:00pm - 4:00pm, Te Puni Kokiri office, Level 4, Deka Building, Garden Place) and Te Kuiti (13 March 2001, 10:00am - 12:00pm, Maniapoto Maori Trust Board office, Level 1, NZ Post building, Rora Street).

For further information, please contact: Sarah Adamson, Media Relations Officer, phone: 04 495 9151 or 021 499 510.

The Royal Commission on Genetic Modification was established by Order in Council on 8 May 2000 and is chaired by Sir Thomas Eichelbaum. The other members of the Commission are Dr Jacqueline Allan, Dr Jean Fleming and the Rt Rev Richard Randerson. The Commission is required to report by 1 June 2001.

© Scoop Media