Sir, Frankenstein is a name that the biotechnology industry hates to be associated with.

Victor Frankenstein was, however, a model of responsibility.

He is the only scientist that I have ever heard of, fictional or real, who had the vision to see his 'creation' as the can of worms that it was.

Victor destroys his 'creation' and himself before some bright spark can slap a patent on 'it'.

In contrast, those who stand to profit from the Genetic Modification of food and agriculture have lobbied hard to prevent being held responsible for their 'creations'.

Should the problematic technology prove damaging to other crops or species, ecosystems, human and animal health, it will be the damaged who will have to bear the cost.

Genetic Modification of plants poses an entirely new level of risk as the pollution is unlike any other kinds of pollution in that it is self-replicating.

There is little incentive to prevent the damage or pollution in the first place if the polluter does not have to pay.

The lack of a specific GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) liability regime will allow the biotechnology companies to off-load the risk and cost of clean up on to others.

Consumers, farmers, wildlife and ecosystems will have to pay.

Friends of the Earth believe that it is unacceptable that a new and untried technology such as GMOs should be released into the environment and our foodchain without it being clear who is liable for any harm.

If GM crops and food are so safe why does the biotechnology industry have qualms about accepting responsibility?

Friends of the Earth are calling for an amendment to the GMO Deliberate Release Directive.

The Liability Clause would make biotechnology companies strictly liable for any harm to the environment and human health.

You can support this by writing a letter or even a postcard to: Rt Hon Micheal Meacher MP, Minister for the Environment, DETR, Eland House, Bressendon Place, London, SW1E 5DU, asking him to support a strict liability clause in the revised Deliberate Release Directive 90/220/EC.

Marianne Bennett

South Lakeland Friends of the Earth