GM trials could be kept secret
14 September 1999
GM trials could be kept secret
THE government is considering keeping the location of genetically modified (GM) crop trials secret following the protests which have damaged several trial sites.
The public will merely be told in which county a trial is taking place, under one proposal being considered.
The government is not allowed to conduct trials in secret, under the terms of the relevant European Union directive.
But the directive does not specify how much information needs to be given, and many countries give far less than Britain.
In France, the information is limited to the departement, or administrative region.
Some biotechnology companies are considering moving some of next years trials to other parts of Europe, where the information given on crop trials is less precise.
The education section of The Guardian provides background on the issues involved in the debate on GM crops.
- Financial Times 14/09/99 page 8
- The Guardian 14/09/99 page 9 (Guardian Education)
- The Daily Telegraph 14/09/99 page 7