New Zealand cannot afford to be held to ransom by a minority of MPs over the genetic modification (GM) issue, according to the Employers & Manufacturers Association.
"The decision due this week must be the Government's view, not one based on opinion polling, or keeping the Green Party on side," said Alasdair Thompson, EMA's chief executive.
"The recommendations of the Royal Commission on Genetic Modification were extremely well researched and should be implemented by Parliament in full", said Thompson.
Thompson claims the Green Party misled the Government's Royal Commission. "Its claims on this issue have been found to be unreliable", he added.
"Government was elected to govern, not be held to ransom by a minority party determined to get control over New Zealand's science programme.
Thomson expressed concern that to treat the issue like a political football will harm New Zealand's reputation and give the wrong signal to our bioscientists and potential investors in this technology.
"It confounds Government talk of building a knowledge-based society", he said.
Thompson warns that 'international derision' could meet a decision to outlaw GM in this country.
The Royal Commission on Genetic Modification handed its full report to the Governor-General, Dame Silvia Cartwright, back in July.
The four-volume Report was the outcome of the Commission's 14-month inquiry. The Commission was set up to report to Government on the options available to New Zealand to deal with genetic modification, and to advise on appropriate changes to the relevant regulatory and policy arrangements.
The Government's decision on the future of GM is expected early this week.
Report of the Royal Commission on Genetic Modification
GE lessons from Britain
GE links
GE glossary
Employers urge green light for GM
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