News Release

5th February 2001

MINOR PARLIAMENTARY STORM OVER ERASMUS

Michael Fabricant has caused a ripple over the usually calm waters of Parliamentary Early Day Motions by tabling an amendment to an innocuous Parliamentary Motion calling for a Charles Darwin Day. Michael Fabricant claims that as Charles Darwin got many of his ideas from the work undertaken in Lichfield by Erasmus Darwin, his grandfather, there ought to be an Erasmus Darwin Day too.

The original Motion reads:

EDM 706

That this House notes the scientific achievements of Charles Darwin in the face of centuries of religious dogma; welcomes proposals for the creation of a 'Charles Darwin Day' in recognition of the ground-breaking work of the British scientist responsible for the theory of evolution by natural selection; and calls for Darwin's birthday, 12th February, to be designated a public holiday, in honour of one of the fathers of modern science.

Michael's Amendment reads:

at end of Motion add: but notes that many of his ideas followed from the research undertaken by Erasmus Darwin, Charles' grandfather, while he practised medicine in Lichfield and calls for an Erasmus Darwin day too.

"The life and work of Erasmus Darwin has unfortunately been overshadowed by that of his grandson. But anyone who visits the excellent Erasmus Darwin Museum in Lichfield, where the original Darwin was a doctor, will learn that many of Charles' ideas originated from the work of his illustrious grandfather, Erasmus. If Charles Darwin were awarded a special day, I believe that Erasmus should have his day in the sun too!", says Michael Fabricant.