The Prince says that genetic engineering "takes mankind into realms that belong to God and to God alone", and raises ethical and practical considerations. "Apart from certain highly beneficial and specific medical applications, do we have the right to experiment with and commercialise the building blocks of life? We live in an age of rights - and it seems to me that it is time that our Creator had some rights too."

In an article for The Daily Telegraph, he continues: "We simply do not know the long-term consequences for human health and the wider environment of releasing plants bred in this way...The lesson of BSE and other entirely man-made disasters on the road to 'cheap food' is surely that it is the unforseen consequences which present the greatest cause for concern. Even the best scicence cannot predict the unpredictable."

Genetically modified foods are not at present grown in Britain, although some are imported from North and South America. Approval is, however, being sought for a handful of crops, including maize and sugar beet. English Nature, concerned that the growing of pest-resistant crops could destroy wildlife, wants a five-year moratorium and is believed to have the backing of Michael Meacher, the Environment Minister.

However, there are suggestions that Tony Blair is under pressure from President Clinton and food companies to allow the introduction of genetic technology.