Richard Singleton, a member of the company’s ethical unit, accepts that fund managers still have a great deal of work to do on genetic engineering.Mr Singleton says: “There is a possibility that genetic engineering will turn out to be very good. So to simply say `Gosh this is terrible’ is the wrong reaction.”On the other hand, it is perfectly possible that we will have some form of modification that is very effective for its intended purpose, but which has other completely unforeseen consequences. We research these issues, but think it is far too early to draw a line.”The Stewardship fund’s own practice at present is not to buy shares in companies which practice animal testing, which effectively bars genetic engineering for medical purposes too.As far as food technology is concerned, Mr Singleton says Stewardship would avoid any company which did no more than meet the basic legal requirements. The only exception to this would be a case where there were overwhelming positive factors elsewhere in the company’s behaviour.Mr Singleton says: “If a company does not appear to have any understanding that there is concern about this subject and could not care less, that would almost certainly be a cause for exclusion. Essentially, that means doing no more than the legal minimum.”Eiris says there are already three companies in the All-Share index which genetically engineer organisms to treat crops, 37 companies which genetically engineer organisms for use in laboratories or factories, and one which has patented gene sequences of its own.. Organic boule bio bread, pounds 1.65, Maison Blanc (0181-838 0848 for nearest shop)

Clear soap blocks and bars, from pounds 1.95, Droyt’s (01257 417251 for mail order)
Te Tao shampoo, designed according to the principles of feng shui, pounds 2.99, from most Tesco, Boots and Superdrug storesMetal lemon-squeezer, pounds 5, Oliver Bonas (0181-892 0808 for nearest store)Never A Dull Moment facial exfoliator, pounds 20, Origins (0800 7314039 for stockists)Bra-support vest, pounds 28.95, Body Control Pilates (01858 469588).

MY FAVOURITE bedtime story is the one where all my children have a bath without argument, brush their teeth – with toothpaste – then, smelling and looking like fresh, rosy apples, put their pyjamas on, get into bed, we talk and read, and they go to sleep The reality is very different. Persuading children that there is a time for bed is a challenge when supermarkets and the television ignore the idea that days have a beginning and end What they should wear in bed is another cause of disharmony. In your search for the ideal pyjamas, start by deciding what bedtime story you want to tell. Kent & Carey’s classic English pyjamas for boys are perfect if you enjoy Richmal Crompton’s Just William. Even its brushed cotton has something of the hair-shirt about it, and only the most confident boys will appreciate the yawning flies. As well as classic gingham, checks and stripes, Kent & Carey has prints with dogs, bears, cars and aeroplanes. Winter pyjamas start at pounds 30 and, for spring, a unisex, cotton pyjama in sky blue, navy or pink, is pounds 15.95.
For those who prefer Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales, French pyjamas are the answer.

Rachel Riley’s thick cotton flannelette pyjamas for boys and girls are generously baggy and come in green and lilac patterns, as well as the more traditional pink and blue. Prices start at pounds 32 from Rachel Riley (0171-259 5969).For fun, try Coup de Coeur’s unisex prints. Pyjamas are cotton interlock, with winter styles brushed inside for extra softness, and wrists and ankles cuffed to stop sleeves and trouser legs riding up. Pyjamas cost between pounds 35 and pounds 40; Coup de Coeur’s boy’s boxer-short-and- T-shirt pyjamas, from pounds 30, easily pass for designer daywear, so are a good buy for children who absolutely refuse to wear pyjamas. Both ranges are available from Butterscotch, 172 Walton Street, SW1 (0171-581 8551); sales at Rachel Riley and Butterscotch start on Monday.Also on sale is Petit Bateau’s range of comfortable towelling velour pyjamas for boys and girls, at its factory outlet shop at Bicester Village, Oxfordshire (01869 244336). Prices range from pounds 13 to pounds 23, with 30 per cent off until the end of January.Bicester Village also boasts Big Dog, home of American pyjamas. Its unisex cotton jersey pyjamas feature Little Big Dog in different sporting designs, and fans of Disney find them great fun.