The findings of the debate will be published in September

Critics say the consultation has been too short, too poorly publicised and held before crucial reports on GM crops are available to the public.

About 25,000 people have completed questionnaires giving their views at meetings or via the internet, according to the head of the debate committee, Malcolm Grant.

He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that early indications from the debate showed the public were calling for caution over the development of GM crops.

If ever there was a political decision that required cautiousness then this is it Lib Dem MP Andrew George

The issues surrounding the controversial crops have been debated in around 500 public meetings in village halls, council offices and conference centres in the last six weeks.

The full responses will be compiled into a report to be submitted to the government before decisions on the planting of the crops are made in a few months' time.

He said the consultation team had "struggled hard" to get the public involved given limited funding.

However he said: "It has been an open, honest and transparent process."

Research findings due

A review of scientific research into the impacts of the technology is not expected to be published until next week after the public consultation period has ended.

Mr Grant said the debate on crops was not over.

"This is but a snapshot in time of public opinion on GM crops."

And he said the government had already given reassurances it would listen to public opinion.

Opponents of GM crops say despite its limitations, the debate has had an excellent response.

They are urging ministers to take account of public views when they make their decisions.

Liberal Democrat MP Andrew George, the party's spokesman on agricultural issues, said: "If ever there was a political decision that required cautiousness then this is it."