News Release

29th August 2003

MICHAEL ACCEPT GM CROPS PETITION FROM GREENPEACE

Michael Fabricant accepted a petition on Friday 29th August from Green Peace. When polled by Green Peace at Lichfield's Medieval Market, 139 people stated they did not want to eat Genetically Modified foods while 2 stated they did not mind. Michael will now send the results of the survey to Margaret Beckett, Secretary of State for the Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Green Peace is opposed to GM crops.

Michael Fabricant says: "While I am not opposed in principle to the growing of GM crops, I am very concerned about the potential impact of GM crops on the environment. I believe that testing of crops should be under much tighter supervision than at present. Just as imported grey squirrels have driven out our natural red species, there is a very real concern that some undesirable versions of GM crops could drive out more natural varieties.

"Nevertheless, I do believe that in principle GM crops could provide food in areas currently blighted by water shortages and will, in the future, save millions of lives in developing countries. They can also help reduce the cost of food here in Britain and sustain British farming. They should not be banned outright. Nevertheless, I'll be passing on the results of the Green Peace petition to Margaret Beckett and I shall be interested in her response to it."