Government in no danger over GM position says Clark

Prime Minister Helen Clark believes the Government will survive mounting pressure over its position on genetic modification.

The Green Party has threatened to withdraw support if the Government's response to recommendations from the Royal Commission on Genetic Modification is too liberal.

But Helen Clark, in Shanghai for the Apec summit, told the Weekend Herald said she did not think it was in the Greens' interests to undermine the Government.

"There is every prospect of the current Government going full term," she said.

The Prime Minister said the Greens knew her position on genetic modification well.

"The Labour Party's position is that we are endeavouring to drive a knowledge economy. Science is a critical part of that," she said.

"We had a Royal Commission which urged a precautionary approach and we will take a precautionary approach."

Greens co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons said yesterday that the political differences over genetic modification could be resolved.

"We are still in good faith discussions with the Government."

nzherald.co.nz/ge

Report of the Royal Commission on Genetic Modification

GE lessons from Britain

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