RCGM -- Formal Hearings To Resume Next Week

Wellington - 19 January 2001: The Royal Commission on Genetic Modification will resume formal hearings of "interested persons" on Tuesday, 23 January 2001.

Appearing in Week 8 of formal hearings are:

Tuesday: New Zealand Biotechnology Association Physicians and Scientists for Responsible Genetics

Wednesday: New Zealand Association of Scientists Royal Society of New Zealand

Thursday: New Zealand Plant Protection Society A joint presentation by Human Genetic Society of Australasia, New Zealand branch, and New Zealand Transgenic Animal Researchers

Friday: New Zealand Council of Trade Unions New Zealand Institute of Patent Attorneys

Copies of these "interested persons" submissions and their expert witnesses' briefs of evidence are available on the Commission's website: www,gmcommission.govt.nz.

The public are welcome to attend the hearings and transcripts of the proceedings will be placed on the Commission's website.

ENDS

The Royal Commission on Genetic Modification was established by Order in Council on 8 May 2000 and is chaired by Sir Thomas Eichelbaum. The other members of the Commission are Dr Jacqueline Allan, Dr Jean Fleming and the Rt Rev Richard Randerson. The Commission is required to report by 1 June 2001.

Relations Officer, phone: 04 495 9151 or 021 499 510.

© Scoop Media