"Sainsbury in 'Conflict' Row"

The Sunday Times (22 Feb 04) reported that Lord Sainsbury, the Science Minister, had been called upon last night to put greater distance between his business and political interests. "Leaked minutes reported show that Sainsbury took part in a ministerial meeting which drew up a strategy to promote the biotechnology industries.... He has ministerial responsibility for the biotech industry, despite having interests in companies that invest in the area of genetic modification...

"At the meeting earlier this month, Sainsbury, whose family has given £11m to the Labour Party, was given the task of asking the prime minister to use his influence to promote the biotechnology industry in Europe... Norman Baker, the Liberal Democrat environment spokesman, said Sainsbury's position was indefensible."