FACE GM QUIZ, MPS TELL PRINCE
Rachel
FACE GM QUIZ, MPS TELL PRINCE
PRINCE Charles is to be challenged to break with tradition and appear
before a committee of MPs to spell out his fears over meddling
scientists.
Experts on the Commons science and technology committee want to
question him on his controversial views about genetically modified (GM)
food.
They voted five-to-one to invite him to make an unprecedented
appearance.
Commons officials are now looking into the protocol of lodging the
request - but there is no constitutional reason why the prince should
not appear.
It is thought to be the first time a committee has attempted to call a
member of the royal family to give evidence.
Labour MP Dr Ian Gibson, former dean of biology at the University of
East Anglia, said scientists fear Charles is being used by green
pressure groups.
Dr Gibson added: "He risks undermining the Government's position on
science - they are putting a lot of money into research and he is
saying it is not all it is cracked up to be."
Advisers to the committee are worried that the prince is using his high
profile to give a one-sided view of the debate.
He angered scientists this week by launching a new attack on research
into GM food.
Charles, who runs an organic farm on his Highgrove estate, warned of
the "potentially disastrous consequences" of developments in
biotechnology and renewed his call for greater investment in
traditional agriculture.
One MP on the committee said: "We simply don't know if he understands
what he is talking about."
The committee is expected to issue the invitation after its next
meeting on Wednesday.
Voice of The Mirror - Page 6
Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
Before you buy.