British lawmakers urge more GM crop tests

LONDON, March 5 (UPI) -- British lawmakers say more tests are needed before genetically modified crops should be grown commercially in the country.

Members of Parliament Friday criticized the government's crop trials and said tests on genetically modified corn "were based on unsatisfactory, indeed invalid, comparisons" and should be redone, the Financial Times reported.

A report from the bi-partisan Environmental Audit Committee said there was "no basis" for genetically modified approval. The report recommended there should be no decision to proceed with the commercial growing of genetically modified crops until thorough research into the experience in North America was completed and published.

EAC Chairman Peter Ainsworth said it appeared "a decision to open the door to the commercial growing of genetically modified crops is imminent. As our report makes clear, any such decision would be irresponsible in the light of the evidence available from the trials.

An announcement that the government is approving commercial cultivation of genetically modified corn is expected next week.