§ Mr. John Austin (Erith and Thamesmead)I have a petition that has been signed by several of my constituents from Erith and Thamesmead, from Greenwich and Woolwich, from Eltham and elsewhere. It expresses mounting concern at the impact of genetically modified organisms on the environment and at the fact that the risks to public health from those organisms have not been clearly established, and expresses the belief that it is crucial to safeguard the British landscape and its diverse flora and fauna. The petition states:
The humble petition of the Members of The Charlton and Blackheath Amateur Horticultural Society,pray that your honourable House determines that no further consents should be granted to grow genetically modified crops until a full public inquiry has been carried out.And your Petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray, etc.To lie upon the Table.