HC Deb 18 July 1995 vol 263 cc1062-4W
Mr. Martyn Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment (1) when the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment was set up; when it became a statutory body; since when it has been a statutory requirement on it to produce an annual report; and if he will make a statement on the availability of earlier committee documents; [34412]

(2) what site was used for the release of genetically modified scorpion venom virus; and why this site was selected; [34409]

(3) what consultation was held with the local population before the release of genetically modified scorpion venom virus; [34410]

(4) what studies were conducted on the possible effects on (a) people and (b) wildlife of genetically modified scorpion venom virus before its release. [34408]

Mr. Clappison

The Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment was first established by the Secretary of State in April 1990. It was then appointed on 29 January 1993 as the statutory body, under the provisions of section 124 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

There is no statutory requirement on the Committee to produce an annual report.

Information on the applications considered by the committee under the provisions of the Genetically Modified Organisms (Deliberate Release) Regulations 1992 is available on the public register of information maintained by the Department. Full copies of these applications, as well as those considered by the Committee prior to 1993 are available under the terms of the Environmental Information Regulations 1992. Copies of the official guidance notes produced with the advice of the Committee are available from the Department.

The site used for the release of the genetically modified baculovirus, the so-called "scorpion venom virus", was the University farm, Wytham, Oxfordshire; the site was selected by the applicant, the Institute of Virology and Environmental Microbiology.

The Genetically Modified Organisms (Deliberate Release) Regulations 1992 lay down the requirement that anyone making an application for consent to release genetically modified organisms shall publish in a newspaper circulating in the areas likely to be affected by the proposed release a notice containing the following information.

  1. (a) the name and address of the applicant,
  2. (b) the general description of the organisms to be released,
  3. (c) the location and general purpose of the release, and
  4. (d) the foreseen date of the release.

The notice invites comments and indicates that further information can be obtained from the applicant and the statutory public register of information maintained by the Department. These requirements were observed by the applicant.

The application from the Institute of Virology and Environmental Microbiology for consent to release genetically modified baculovirus, the so called "scorpion venom virus", included a detailed assessment of the possible risks of harm to human health and the environment. This assessment was based on the applicant's own studies of the virus over several years, and on other studies contained in published literature. The assessment was considered by the scientists in the relevant Departments and by the Health and Safety Executive and the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment, and on their recommendation a consent was issued.