BBC News Online: UK

MPs seek Prince's GM views

MPs on the science and technology committee made the invitation after the Prince suggested that science should work with nature, not try to manipulate it.

The Prince made his speech on Wednesday, the same day that the government revealed that genetically modified seeds had been accidentally planted with ordinary crops.

Labour's Dr Ian Gibson, one of the MPs who invited the Prince to speak to them, called his comments "very helpful".

Dr Gibson said: "Prince Charles has for some time now been taking an interest in public affairs which is indeed welcome, particularly in GM crops.

"He has quite rightly put his oar in to discuss these things."

He said that GM was an example of Prince Charles's views and that it would be "very interesting" to see how well versed he was.

Meeting 'sooner rather than later'

He added: "He is putting down a very strong hard line against science and its up to the scientists to defend what they have produced over the years and continue to produce."

Dr Gibson hoped the Prince would appear before the all-party committee "sooner rather than later", preferably next month.