Many face GE rebuff

The Royal Commission on Genetic Engineering faces a crunch test on Thursday when about 200 applicants seek special status at the hearings.

The commission has been deluged with applications from individuals, companies and lobbyists seeking "interested person" status at the hearings, which start on September 18.

On Thursday, the commission will sit in the Wellington District Court to consider who should get the status, which is expected to guarantee witnesses rights to present oral submissions and be represented by a lawyer.

The number of applicants - including the expected crown research institutes and other science interests, biotechnology lobbyists and agricultural producers - has been swelled by public-interest lobbyists and individuals.

Many people see the commission as their big chance to take a public stand on the technology. But only some will get the special status at hearings in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

The head of the commission, Sir Thomas Eichelbaum, said there was no set limit, "but it will need careful management."

- NZPA

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