HC Deb 16 November 1998 vol 319 cc346-7W
Mr. Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects the Environmental Stakeholders Forum for Genetic Modifications to be in operation; and what its terms of reference will be. [59684]

Mr. Meale

Further to my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment's statement to the House of Lords Select Committee on 21 October, we are currently exploring how best to take forward the concept of an Environmental Stakeholders Forum. No decision has yet been made on the establishment of such a group or on its terms of reference.

Mr. Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the ecological monitoring of farm-scale trials of genetically modified crops will involve; and if he will make a statement. [59683]

Mr. Meale

The specification and details for the ecological monitoring of farm scale plantings of genetically modified crops are still in the early stages of development. An announcement will be made in due course.