Pitch for GE input

By Martin Johnston

Alliance MP Phillida Bunkle is pitching for a role in geneticengineering policy, following her appointment yesterday as Associate Environment Minister.

She thought it had not been decided who would get that job but when asked if she wanted it, she said: "I've got a very strong record on tackling those issues.

"That's something I have been interested in for the last four years so it's very much an issue I'm identified with, so I would expect to have strong input there."

Phillida Bunkle said she wanted to reintroduce her bill proposing a commission of inquiry and moratorium on genetic engineering which was lost in May when Labour voted with National in opposing it.

Labour supported a royal commission, saying it would set one up within the first 100 days of becoming the Government, but wanted the moratorium removed from the bill.

On the labelling of GE food, Phillida Bunkle said: "We will be looking for full and clear labelling."