HC Deb 02 March 1999 vol 326 cc623-4W
Mr. Drew

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many complaints have been received concerning possible breaches of licence in respect of the growing of GMOs. [73219]

Mr. Meacher

Further to my answers to the hon. Member for Lewes (Mr. Baker) on 17 December 1998,Official Report, column 630, and 4 February 1999, Official Report, column 720, no complaints have been received about possible breaches of consent to grow GMOs, but some have been detected by Health and Safety Executive Inspectors.

Mr. Drew

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what controls other than the prosecution of offenders are available to the licensing authorities in respect of GMO research. [73220]

Mr. Meacher

The controls available are contained in Part VI of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and associated regulations. In summary no person may release any GMO without the express permission of the Secretary of State. The consent holder must comply with the conditions and limitations set by the consent, which may be revoked or varied at any time. There are also powers to serve a prohibition notice to terminate or prevent any activity.