§ 8. Mr. Norman Baker (Lewes)What assessment he has made of the extent of Government control to regulate the intrusion into the environment of GMOs. [39512]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (Angela Eagle)The Government have in place a strict regulatory framework to control the release of genetically modified organisms into the environment. Deliberate release may take place only with the explicit consent of the Secretary of State or if marketing approval has been granted in the European Union. Deliberate release consent will not be given without a rigorous safety assessment on a case-by-case basis.
§ Mr. BakerI thank the Minister for that answer, but is she aware that an article in the New Scientist on 2 May referred to the fact that there is evidence that beneficial insects can be killed by transgenic crops and, in particular, by maize being marketed by Novartis? Does she accept that genetically modified crops can, in some circumstances, pose a major threat to the environment? Will she call on the European Commission immediately to suspend market consent for genetically modified maize?
§ Angela EagleAs part of the rigorous risk assessment that my Department undertakes before any genetically modified organism can be released into the environment, it examines the effects on insect populations, including beneficial insect populations, of any of the modifications. I assure the hon. Gentleman that where there is an effect, permission to release will not be granted.