Gene modification ethics questioned

Press, 7 April 1987, Page 8

Gene modification ethics questioned

By

OLIVER RIDDELL

in Wellington and PA

A group studying genetic technology issues has recommended that a working party be set up to consider urgently the ethical questions in manipulating human genes. The group, itself a working party established early last year, has completed a study on the field testing and release of genetically modified plants, animals or microorganisms.

The Field Release Working Party, whose report was released yesterday by the Minister of Science and Technology, Mr Tizard, did not consider the question of

gene manipulation in humans.

However, it recommended that urgency be given to setting up another working party to consider the issue.

The report will be available from the D.S.I.R. in Wellington. Genetically modified organisms that could be proposed for release in the future include animals, plants and microorganisms. These could be used in human medicine, veterinary medicine, agriculture, forestry, manufacturing and mining.

Potential benefits ranged from vaccines, insect-resistant crops and improved fermentation processes to biological methods of waste treat-

ment and concentration of low-abundance metals from mineral ores.

People should proceed cautiously, the report said. A Genetic Technology Committee should be constituted under its own legislation, to be established by April, 1988, at the latest, and that legislation should be administered by the Ministry for the Environment

It should be mandatory for all individuals or organisations — both Government and private sector — planning a release of genetically modified organisms to submit proposals to the new committee.

That committee should assess the proposals and recommend that the ap-

propriate regulatory authority issue or refuse a release permit, the report said. The decision to issue or refuse a permit would then rest with the regulatory authority. Regulatory authorities would be responsible for issuing field release permits. With advances being made in understanding the genetic bases of some • diseases there was a need to consider the ethical questions relating to the possible modification of human genes for disease prevention, the report said. The Health bepartment had acknowledged the need for a working party to consider this topic in New Zealand.