Bill English National Finance Spokesman

14 September 2001

Govt should listen to business concerns over GE moratorium

When the country's biggest export earner speaks out on genetic engineering the Government should be listening, National's Finance spokesman Bill English said today.

Helen Clark has signalled that the Government will move to a long-term ban on genetic modification without any public debate.

"Fonterra is rightly alarmed that the economic cost of this decision has not been considered at all. Many other businesses based on biological production share that concern," Mr English said.

"New Zealanders want to be able to make choices but we should be making those choices with full information. National is listening to concerns about the risks, but unlike the Government we also want to understand the economic costs to New Zealand.

"I welcome the contribution Fonterra is making to the debate. They represent over 20% of all New Zealand exports. They are huge employers and investors in our communities. Helen Clark should listen," Bill English said.

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