Phillida Bunkle MP
Alliance Environment Spokesperson

30 October 2001 media statement

New regulations better than a moratorium
– GE trial safety ensured

“The new regulations on GE trials announced by Government today are a great improvement on the moratorium ensuring the safety and security of GE trials,” says Phillida Bunkle Alliance environment spokesperson.

“The requirements that all materials associated with trials be removed and destroyed means that even soil will have to be contained during the trial and removed afterwards. This is a huge step forwards when combined with the other requirements; it means all possible escape routes for GE organisms have been eliminated.

“The removal and disposal of soil also removes the unknown risks associated with horizontal GE transfer which is a potential route of escape.

“This was one of the major areas where the Royal Commission identified unanswered safety questions, these question can now begin to be explored in safety.

“The Alliance has achieved the guarantee it sought that no GE organisms can be used where there is any possibility of escape into the environment.

“These regulations are not time limited, but will extend indefinitely to provide permanent protection,” says Phillida Bunkle.

ENDS

http://www.alliance.org.nz

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