§ 33. Sir Sydney Chapman (Chipping Barnet)What advice the Church Commissioners have received about the growing of GM crops on Church land; and how they intend to monitor the results of the current round of trials. [123703]
§ Mr. Stuart Bell (Second Church Estates Commissioner, representing the Church Commissioners)Following extensive study and consultation, the Church of England's ethical investments advisory group—a copy of whose report has been placed in the House of Commons Library—has recommended to the commissioners that new agricultural tenancies should contain a clause restricting the use of genetically modified seeds and requiring the express consent of the commissioners to the use of their land for this purpose. The commissioners have considered and accepted this advice.
§ Sir Sydney ChapmanIf it can be shown that there is no damage to the ecological system in introducing genetically modified crops—given, however, that controversy surrounds the subject—would the Second Church Estates Commissioner agree that it might be more 637 sensible if the Church Commissioners were unilaterally to change their leases and take over control of matters relating to cropping on their land?
§ Mr. BellThe Church Commissioners have taken fully into account the continued controversy concerning GM crops. In law, the commissioners have no power to change leases already granted, as their tenants enjoy freedom of cropping within the terms of their lease. As responsible stewards of the land that we own, we remain prudently aware of developments in this controversial area from many perspectives, including environmental stewardship.