THE CLAIM that a genetically modified (GM) food producing giant has deliberately released modified oilseed rape into our countryside and is not even going to contest any legal action is very worrying. The Health and Safety Executive are to prosecute this example of gross negligence and it has to be hoped that this will strengthen the resolve of national and European politicians to press for a moratorium on the issuing of commercial licences to grow GM crops.

In Bolton, although the debate has not been recently reported, the Council meeting on December 16 affirmed the cross party view of the Environment Committee that we should support a call for such a moratorium until the results of long term research have been produced and subjected to public discussion. The Council will also be pressing the Secretary of State to ensure that the Authority, and any directly affected residents, are consulted on any proposals for small scale field trials in this area of GM crops. We are also asking for an up-to-date register of trial sites to be available to local authorities.

In addition the Council will explore whether food provided by or on behalf of the Authority should be sourced from non GM ingredients. We also welcome initiatives which have been made by commercial organisations such as supermarkets to limit the use of GM ingredients and are asking for them to publicise the systems they are using to ensure that such commitments are verified.

This comprehensive and constructive contribution to a debate of critical importance puts Bolton at the forefront of action by local authorities in this country. The calling and sometimes fatal experiences of recent years, including such things as BSE and e-coli outbreaks, have reduced public confidence in food and cost billions of pounds to tackle.

The fact that most of us for most of the time can rely on good quality and consistent food supplies must not lead to complacency from any quarter. At present, I am not happy that the firm, as the largest supplier of the GM soya which is used in many processed food products, can be relied on to develop and operate any of the 1200 plus GM techniques that the industry is currently intent on introducing into our food chain.

Stuart Murray

Councillor for Astley Bridge Ward

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.