United Press International

Think Tank Urges Use Of Altered Crops

The influential British think-tank Nuffield Council on Bioethics reports a moral obligation exists for the world's scientific community to develop genetically modified crops.

In a report made public today, the Nuffield Council argues the new technology is likely to bring benefits to developing nations by helping to feed growing rapidly populations and ease the pressure on land.

A spokesman for the council today describes the report on Sky News television, acknowledging some dangers, but emphasizing the benefits.

Dr. Sandy Thomas of the Nuffield Council says genetically altered foods ''promises considerable benefits at the same time that it threatens some dangers.''

The council is widely known for having addressed other sensitive scientific ethical issue in the past, including genetic screening and animal-to-human transplants.

While it has no legal powers within Europe or Britain, its views often influence the way the British government acts.

The report endorses available genetically modified food available to consumers now as safe, but it warns of the need for more rigorous regulation of changed crops so they do not damage the environment or health.

The council says there is no basis for a ban against the modified foodstuff, or moratorium on commercial planting -- all of which European ecologists have demanded.

Thomas says: ''One of the messages of our getting the benefits and avoiding the dangers can't be left to the marketplace alone. Intelligent government regulation is needed as well.''