Processing Of Public Submissions To Continue

Wellington - 22 December 2000: The Royal Commission on Genetic Modification will continue to process submissions received from the public during the next few weeks.

Public submissions closed on 1 December 2000 and more than 9,000 submissions have already been processed. The total is expected to be finalised in the new year.

"While we have yet to obtain a final tally of all submissions, we are delighted with the response. The number to date exceeds those received by the last Royal Commission, held in 1988 on social policy, which received almost 6,000 submissions," says Commission chairman Sir Thomas Eichelbaum.

An initial sample of public submissions is available on the Commission's website: www.gmcommission.govt.nz.

All submissions received will be considered by the Commission, in conjunction with information received through its Formal Hearings, Public Meetings and Hui.

The Commission will resume its consultation programme on 23 January 2001.

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.

Please note: * The Commission office closes today and reopens on Monday, 8 January 2001. * The schedule for next year's Formal Hearings is now available on the Commission's website. * Any media queries should be directed to Sarah Adamson, media relations officer, on 021 499 510. * The Commission and its staff wish all a happy and safe holiday.

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