Assignment Programme

9 October 2001

PRESS RELEASE from PHYSICIANS AND SCIENTISTS FOR RESPONSIBLE GENETICS

9 October 2001

Assignment Programme

Physicians and Scientist for Responsible Genetics (PSRG) are disappointed that the recent major Assignment programme dealing with Genetic Engineering was "another industry media PR exercise." This is an infringement of the public's right to have an impartial view of an important subject presented to them.

The debate is constantly portrayed by the media as an issue between the Green Party, an emotional public and the supposedly objective, disinterested LifeScience group. This is certainly not the case. Few if any of the statements, claims or lines of reasoning made by these scientists is questioned.

A reliable and balanced scientific debate is long overdue. There is little wonder that, as Helen Clark said, "The public debate's been very polarised." No real effort has been made by the industry to educate or inspire genuine insight into GM-technology. From the Open Letter released by PSRG, now with almost 800 signatories, several from international scientists of high calibre, you will see there is very clearly an urgent need for the media to provide this as a right to all New Zealanders.

(178 words)

Jean Anderson Secretary Physicians and Scientists for Responsible Genetics www.psrg.org.nz

440a Otumoetai Road, TAURANGA, NEW ZEALAND

Telephone or fax 64 7 576 5721

E-mail roberta@clear.net.nz

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