Letter: Science at bay

Sir: Has there ever been a period in history when a national movement with foundations in sand had so many followers and gathered so much momentum in such a short time?

I refer, of course, to the anti-GM foods campaign which, we are told, is supported by 90 per cent of the British public, including Terence Blacker (Review, 22 June) who "...would rather trust a poet before ... a scientist".

Scientists must take the lead in GM technology. They should be capable of demystifying the gene and explaining how recent advances in biotechnology are natural extensions of all that has gone before - which has always been associated with risk. However, it is not easy to find volunteers among scientists at the cutting edge who are willing to appear in public. They are demoralised and face hostility and impossible demands for assurances that the laws of probability forbid.

Biotechnology could be the productive industry of the 21st century and the UK could be a leader. However, in the present climate we may, as on previous occasions, hand over our expertise to others who will develop the technology to their great advantage and with less attention to the safeguards that are obviously needed.

JACK PRIDHAM

Professor Emeritus

Royal Holloway, University of London

Egham, Surrey