A DEBATE on genetically modified foods and crops is being organised by Malvern Hills District Council.

The council does not hold an official position on GM farming unlike other local authorities, including Herefordshire Council and Warwickshire County Council, which are both opposed.

But now it hopes to give the public a chance to have their say which will, in turn, allow it to form a stance on the matter.

A motion pushing for a debate was introduced by coun. John Raine at a full council meeting on Monday night.

He said he believed the debate would help raise awareness of the issues surrounding the debate and could explore actions taken by other councils.

He added: "I think it's doubtless that there will be many in the community who wonder what a debate on GM has to do with the district council. I think a lot, not only with this council but the whole modernised world."

Council leader Tom Wells said: "This is very much an issue that passes people by. If nothing else, if we can facilitate a debate that increases public awareness that in itself would be an achievement."

He rejected a protest by some councillors who felt they were not knowledgeable enough to lead a debate.

"I think we are a little bit confused," Coun Wells said. "We aren't facilitating an event for councillors.

"We are talking about a public debate, not a councillor debate."

No date or venue for the event has been set although several councillors said they wanted it to be held during the school term.

Coun. Diane Rayner said: "I ask we notify schools so children and young people can talk to us. It's their world we'd be screwing up."