WIRES:

Network offers extension to Voluntary Moratorium

Monday, 27 August 2001, 5:00 pm
Press Release: New Zealand Life Sciences Network

The New Zealand Life Sciences Network (Inc) has offered the Government a two-month extension to the voluntary moratorium on applications for field trials and commercial release until 31 October 2001.

“The Network’s members have acknowledged the importance of the Government having a full three months to consider the Report of the Royal Commission on Genetic Modification, as agreed when the moratorium was volunteered by industry last year,” the Chairman of the Network, Dr William Rolleston, said today.

“The delay in the Royal Commission presenting its Report was not of the Government’s making so it’s appropriate for Ministers to continue to have three months to consider the Report.

“The member organisations of the Life Sciences Network have always supported decisions about the future of GM in New Zealand being made in an atmosphere where there are few distractions – we believe an extension of the moratorium, volunteered again by industry, to recognise the original intent is consistent with our earlier intentions,” concluded Dr Rolleston.

For further information, contact:

Dr William Rolleston Francis Wevers Chairman Executive Director

Phone 03 612 6688 Phone 04 916 0100 Mobile 025 246 0634 Mobile 021 916010

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