A LIVELY debate on the subject of genetically modified foods was heard at a seminar in North Tawton last Wednesday when 60 concerned members of the public questioned experts in the field.

The event at the Institute for Grassland and Environmental Research (IGER) was organised jointly by the National Farmers' Union, Greenpeace and Conservative spokesman Ian Liddell-Grainger to look at the effects of GM food in the community, industry and farming.

Speakers described as 'the best in the business' included Dr Bob Clements from IGER, Dr Joe Allen, biochemist lecturer and research chemist in the field of agro-chemicals and Luke Anderson, author and speaker in GM foods.

Members of the audience who ranged from farmers to housewives, businesspeople and environmental groups, were invited to ask questions to the panel of speakers.

Mr Liddell-Grainger said the debate was very lively.

'The evening was very enjoyable but at the same time a very serious set of points were being made,' he said.

'The possibilities for the genetic modification of food are enormous — the problem we have got is that the industry is not Government-led it is business-led so the safeguards are not what they should be.

'There was a call from all the speakers for a heavy regulation of the industry.'

The Conservative spokesman said the GM debate was on-going and he hoped in conjunction with the NFU and Greenpeace to hold another similar event in the future.