National has offered the Government its support in adopting the Royal Commission on Genetic Modification's "proceed with caution" approach to the controversial technology.
The Government has until the end of this month to decide what rules should govern genetic science in New Zealand, including whether to adopt some of the 49 recommendations made by the commission.
The commission endorsed the release of GM crops into the environment under new tighter conditions but the Green party - Labour's coalition partner - opposes this and wants the moratorium extended.
National's environment spokesman Nick Smith said today
New Zealand risked shutting out new medicines and technologies that can improve our health, economy and environment if it banned GM altogether.
"The Greens' absolute opposition to any form of genetic technology will drive talented New Zealand scientists offshore and rob New Zealand of the opportunities of a knowledge economy."
National leader Bill English had written to Miss Clark offering his party's support.
However, Environment Minister Marion Hobbs said the government had not reached a position yet so Dr Smith's offer was pointless.
ACT MP Stephen Franks said the Government should have announced within a week of receiving the commission that it accepted and would implement its recommendations.
"The costs of the dithering over Air New Zealand will be nothing compared to the costs of losing the political initiative on genetic modification."
National offers Govt support for cautious GM approach
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