HC Deb 27 October 1998 vol 318 cc151-2W
Mr. Mitchell

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what powers he has to prohibit the distribution or sale within the United Kingdom of genetically modified plant products for animal or human foodstuffs; and what proposals have been made by the Commission of the European Community for further regulations or directives permitting their growing or sale. [55693]

Mr. Rooker

Following EU approval under Council Directive 90/220/EEC on the Deliberate Release of Genetically Modified Organisms into the Environment or the Council Regulation 258/97 on Novel Foods and Novel Food Ingredients, the sale of such products can be temporarily prohibited by a Member State if new scientific evidence is provided which demonstrates that human health or the environment is likely to be endangered. Such evidence must then be examined and accepted by other EU Member States before any such prohibition can be made permanent. Moreover, under the Food Safety Act 1990, the distribution and sale of genetically modified food, or food products derived from animals fed on genetically modified materials, could be prohibited if there was an imminent risk of injury to human health.

A Commission proposal for a Council Regulation on Novel Feeds, including genetically modified materials fed to animals, is expected by the end of the year. Discussions are also taking place on a revision of Directive 90/220/EEC with a view towards providing improved procedures for the regulation of genetically modified if he will provide the same information for fish classed (x) 1 sea winter, (y) 2 sea winter and (z) 3 sea winter fish. [55569]

Mr. Morley

Available information for England and Wales is given in the table. All figures relate to salmon and grilse although the estimated proportion of grilse in rod catches for the period 1993–97 has also been included. It is not possible to provide any further reliable data on catches broken down by age-class.

organisms, particularly a timetable for approval, whilst providing a framework necessary to address the concerns of public and industry.

Back to