Genetic engineering under royal commission scrutiny

WELLINGTON - The Government's $4.8 million royal commission on genetic engineering met in Wellington yesterday to consider preliminary briefings.

The commission held an informal meeting last month to organise background material and administrative details, and yesterday started a formal three-day meeting to hear from experts.

Commissioner Sir Thomas Eichelbaum said that after this week's meeting he would indicate the broad outline of the commission's programme.

Submissions are expected to be heard from mid-November to March next year.

"The bulk of our sittings will be in Wellington, but we will certainly take the commission travelling," said Sir Thomas.

A preliminary public meeting would probably be called next month.

The royal commission is reported to be the world's first such inquiry into genetic engineering.

Other members of the commission are Dr Jean Fleming, senior lecturer in the anatomy and structural biology department at Otago Medical School, the Rev Richard Randerson, of Auckland, appointed to bring an understanding of ethical issues, and Dr Jacqueline Allan, an Auckland GP with experience in Maori medical health.

Key areas for the inquiry to examine include:

* Where, how and for what purpose is genetic engineering and its products being used already in New Zealand.

* Discovering the level of uncertainty about the present and possible future application of genetic engineering techniques and the use of genetically modified organisms and products.

* The risks, benefits and opportunities from the use or avoidance of genetic engineering technologies and products, and how they are likely to be distributed.

* The Crown's responsibilities under the Treaty of Waitangi in relation to genetic engineering.

* The international legal obligations New Zealand faces regarding genetic engineering, as well as liability issues which may be involved.

* Main areas of public interest in genetic engineering, including those related to public health, environment, biosecurity, economy, culture and ethics.

Environment Minister Marian Hobbs has told genetic experimenters that a "voluntary" moratorium on field testing of engineered plants or animals will run until three months after the royal commission reports.

- NZPA

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