HC Deb 01 March 1999 vol 326 cc546-7W
Dr. Godman

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent discussions he has had with the food industry anent the production of genetically modified food; and if he will make a statement. [69799]

Mr. Galbraith

[holding answer 15 February 1999]Scottish Ministers have had no recent discussions with the food industry about the production of genetically modified food. However, the industry is included in the broad public consultation on the biosciences currently being undertaken to ensure that the comprehensive framework to regulate and assess genetically modified products will continue to keep pace as this potentially very beneficial area of science develops.

The Government's overriding duty is to safeguard the public and the environment and this is achieved through rigorous regulation and assessment of products based on the best possible scientific advice.

From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

Ms Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will place in the Library the full research findings of Dr. Pusztai in respect of genetically modified food. [72208]

Mr. Macdonald

Copies of the Audit Committee Report and the accompanying Press Release issued by the Rowett Research Institute on 28 October 1998; Dr. Pusztai's Report in response to the Audit Committee's Report; the Audit Committee's further response to Dr. Pusztai's report and the accompanying Press Release by the Rowett Research Institute on 16 February 1999, have been placed in the House of Commons Library. These reports cover all the relevant experiments carried out at the Rowett Research Institute.

From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.