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LSN reacts to more time for Royal Commission

Monday, 14 May 2001, 4:27 pm
Press Release: New Zealand Life Sciences Network

The NZ Life Sciences Network is disappointed the Government has had to grant extra time to the Royal Commission on Genetic Modification to complete its work, the Chairman of the Network, Dr William Rolleston, said today.

“We had been confident the Royal Commissioners would meet the target date set out in the Warrant. But we would rather wait for an extra couple of months to get a comprehensive and robust report than have the Royal Commission rushed into an incomplete and substandard piece of work.

“After all, this report will likely be the foundation stone of our science and biology based economy for the next generation, at least.

“While the delay is disappointing it is not surprising given the huge international interest in the Royal Commission's work. The invitation for members of the public in New Zealand and overseas to make submissions via the Internet resulted in more than 11,000 written submissions being received.

“In addition 117 organisations were granted Interested Person status; made comprehensive submissions, called expert witnesses from many parts of the world and cross-examined the witnesses presented by other Interested Persons.

“The Royal Commission is probably host to more detailed information than any other similar inquiry and therefore it is entirely understandable that the task of analysis is taking longer than at first thought,” concluded Dr Rolleston.

ENDS

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