We have always said that before the full-scale commercialised growing of GM crops takes place in this country we would need to be sure that they don't harm the environment. Mr Meacher admitted commercial growing could still start as early as spring next year - when the current agreement preventing it expires. The minister acknowledged the Government may have appeared to have changed its tone, if not its message, over the weekend, to mollify public concern. The Prime Minister's views had not changed. If it takes X years to establish the environmental safety, so be it.
Safety is paramount.
The Government had not asked the industry for the delay, he added. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds welcomed the prospect of a moratorium. He warned the industry not to expect an automatic licence at the end of the period. The impact of the new techniques on wildlife had to be assessed. Adrian Bebb, food campaigner for Friends of the Earth, said a three-year ban would not allow proper assessment, and that it should be five years.