Paddy Ashdown called for more research into the dangers of genetically modified crops - while visiting a cash-starved research centre which could do the job.

Mr Ashdown toured the Oxford University Wildlife Conservation Unit, in Wytham Woods, during a day-long visit to Oxfordshire.

Afterwards, he called for less work on developing so-called "Frankenstein Foods" and more research into their effect on humans, animals and the environment.

The Liberal Democrat leader told the Oxford Mail: "The way this whole issue has been handled may well be placing an emotional and psychological block in the minds of many people.

"What has happened with GM foods is that the science of development has continued, while the science of monitoring the effects has been left aside.

"We need the science of people who are developing the products, but we also need a science of surveillance. That could be the sort of work they could do here."

The Wildlife Conservation Unit has carried out pioneering research on a wide-range of wildlife issues.

But the unit struggles to attract outside funding and can only afford to take on three or four undergraduates a year.

Dr David Macdonald, head of the Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, said that his scientists could contribute to the issue - but had not been approached.

He said: "Now that this issue has arisen, I would not at all be surprised if we try to find suitable help to investigate - but it is extremely difficult to get funding."

Mr Ashdown said: "Everybody scrambles for funding but if this is an international resource, I am surprised to hear of funding difficulties here."

Oxford University has been carrying out research into a genetically modified virus which kills caterpillars at nearby Wytham Farm for the past five years.

The tests, being carried out by Institute of Virology and Environmental Microbiology, are confined to specially netted and enclosed cabbage patches.

Dr Rosie Hails, of the Institute of Virology, in Mansfield Road, Oxford, said: "One of the longer term aims is to think of ways to control insect pests - but we are in the process of assessing the risks of this particular genetically modified virus.

"We take every precaution - and it is completely safe to humans."

Mr Ashdown also viewed CCTV cameras in Abingdon and visited Gosford Hill School in Kidlington during his visit yesterday.

Story date: Saturday 20 February

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