HC Deb 16 July 1997 vol 298 c183W
Mr. Martyn Jones

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research he has commissioned into(a) segregation and (b) labelling of genetically modified food; what estimate he has made of the time scale by which (a) and (b) will be feasible; and if he will make a statement. [8499]

Mr. Rooker

The safety of foods produced using genetic modification is assessed by the Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes and is underpinned by scientific research work carried out by the Department. I see no need for the Government to commission research into the segregation or labelling of genetically modified food. The Government is pressing at European level for all foods which may contain genetically modified ingredients to be clearly labelled whether they have been fully segregated or not.

Mr. Bercow

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to require labelling on all foods that contain genetically modified ingredients, informing potential customers to that effect; and if he will make a statement. [8593]

Mr. Rooker

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Lewes (Mr. Baker) on 9 June 1997,Official Report, columns 356–57.