§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on his response to the EEC regulations for handling genetically engineered organisms in relation to laboratory tests on genetically modified micro-organisms and the release outdoors of modified organisms.
§ Mr. MoynihanI understand that the European Commission will shortly be presenting to the Council of Ministers three proposed EC directives relating to work with genetically engineered organisms. Officials of relevant Government Departments have been involved in preliminary discussions on these proposals. Explanatory memoranda will be presented to Parliament to inform the House in the normal way once the directives are presented. The United Kingdom Government will thereafter be fully involved in discussions on the proposals.