Church debates GM crop request

London - The Church of England said yesterday it was still wrestling with the ethical implications of whether to allow government…

London - The Church of England said yesterday it was still wrestling with the ethical implications of whether to allow government scientists to plant genetically modified crops on church land. The Church Commissioners said they had not banned GM crop trials from church land and insisted that there were ethical issues they must consider before making a final decision.

The Church of England owns more than 123,000 acres of agricultural land in Britain, said to be worth £237 million.