Will GM Field Trialists Be Covered By Insurance?

Tuesday 6 Nov 2001 Ken Shirley Press Releases -- Environment & Conservation

Ken Shirley, ACT Science and Technology Spokesman has written to the Insurance Council of New Zealand asking whether law-breaking Green activists who target GM experiments and field trials will be classified as terrorists thereby negating the insurance cover of companies and research institutions engaged in GM activities.

"I am outraged that Green Party MPs appear to be condoning such action and may even engage in law breaking activities themselves.

"Actions of eco-terrorism cannot be condoned in any society and if insurance cover is threatened or removed then New Zealand's biotechnology research takes another backward step," said Ken Shirley.

ATTACHED: COPY OF LETTER TO INSURANCE COUNCIL:

6 November 2001

Chris Ryan

Chief Executive

New Zealand Insurance Council

P O Box 474

Wellington

Dear Chris

I note your recent public statements that your members are reviewing their ability to underwrite damages caused through acts of terrorism.

I read in today's Evening Post that Green activists are committed to law-breaking activities in opposing genetic modification experiments and field trials and it seems that Green Party MPs even are considering joining in those law-breaking activities.

With this in mind I seek clarification from your Council on whether or not law-breaking, destructive activity undertaken by the Greens would be classified as eco-terrorism thereby negating insurance cover for law abiding companies and research institutes engaged in genetic modification trials.

I look forward to your considered response on this issue.

Yours sincerely

Ken Shirley

ACC Spokesman

ACT New Zealand

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

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