HC Deb 03 February 1997 vol 289 cc515-6W
Mr. Tyler

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will seek the exclusion of genetically modified organisms and their derivatives from the definition of organic production in the European Union regulations. [13706]

Mrs. Browning

The UK Government believe that genetic technology has the potential for widespread benefit, subject to adequate controls on its use. However, we support the UK organic industry in its wish to see, for the time being, genetically modified organisms specifically prohibited in EC legislation relating to organic farming and food processing.

Project Date Duration Number of reports
Survey of aggregate extraction, licensed area 1071 September 1994 8 months 1
1995 survey of area 107 August 1995 9 months 2
Dredger plume survey, area 107 October 1995 3 months 1
Annual monitoring, area 107 October 1995 4 years 1 each year
Shrimp monitoring programme, area 107 October 1995 4 years 1 each year
Sole monitoring survey, Hastings shingle bank March 1996 5 years 1 each year
1 Area 107 is of the Wash.

Mr. Ainger

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many reports on environmental surveys in the marine environment have been carried out by his Department as the contractor reporting to his Department as the regulator in each of the last five years. [14097]

Mr. Baldry

Aggregate extraction is regulated by the Department of the Environment under the non-statutory government view procedure. MAFF advises on the potential impact of aggregate dredging on the marine environment and on commercial fishing operations. The table sets out the number of applications which have been accepted under this procedure in each of the past five years:

  • 1992: 1
  • 1993: 0
  • 1994: 5
  • 1995: 2
  • 1996: 3

In each of these cases, the centre for environment, fisheries and aquaculture science has contributed a report on its assessment of the application to assist the Department in making its contribution to the Government view. These arrangements will be recognised in a formal The position of derivatives from GMOs, particularly those that are indistinguishable from more conventional products, is more complex. These complexities stem from the practicalities of policing and enforcing any prohibition. We will be considering our position in light of any proposals from the EC Commission.