Ian Gibson MP wants public debate

The Prince made his speech on Wednesday, the same day that the government revealed that genetically modified seeds had been accidentally planted with ordinary crops.

Labour's Dr Ian Gibson, one of the MPs who invited the Prince to speak to them, called his comments "very helpful".

Dr Gibson said: "Prince Charles has for some time now been taking an interest in public affairs which is indeed welcome, particularly in GM crops.

"He has quite rightly put his oar in to discuss these things."

He is putting down a very strong hard line against science and it's up to scientists to defend what they have produced

Dr Ian Gibson MP

Dr Gibson said he thought the Prince was adopting an "anti-science line", and agreed that a proper public debate was needed about the value of science and technology in the modern world.

He said that GM was an example of Prince Charles's views and that it would be "very interesting" to see how well versed he was.

Meeting 'sooner rather than later'

He added: "He is putting down a very strong hard line against science and its up to the scientists to defend what they have produced over the years and continue to produce."

Dr Gibson hoped the Prince would appear before the all-party committee "sooner rather than later", preferably next month.