Voluntary GM moratorium extended
Monday, 27 August 2001, 3:27 pm
Press Release: New Zealand Government
27 August 2001 Media Statement
Voluntary GM
moratorium extended
The voluntary moratorium on
applications for release and field testing of genetically
modified organisms will be extended to October 31,
Environment Minister, Marian Hobbs and Science Minister,
Pete Hodgson, announced today.
The moratorium was to end
this Friday but the New Zealand Life Sciences Network
representing the biotechnology industry and research groups
has offered to continue it until midnight on October
31.
"The moratorium was set to end three months after the
Royal Commission reported, thus giving the government time
to consider the commission's findings. But the Royal
Commission was given an extension of time and reported
almost two months later than planned.
"The government has
already announced it would give a considered response to the
Royal Commission's report by the 31st of October. Continuing
the moratorium preserves the status quo and enables the
government to make decisions without options being
reduced.
"The government is grateful for the responsible
position taken by Life Sciences Network," the Ministers
said.
ENDS
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