HC Deb 26 May 1999 vol 332 c163W
Mr. Stinchcombe

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many acres of land in the UK were cultivated as trial sites of genetically modified crops in each of the last five years; and how many acres of land will be cultivated as trial sites of GM crops in 1999. [83283]

Mr. Meacher

In 1998, the area cultivated as trial sites of genetically modified crops was approximately 300 hectares. In the current year, the total figure, including the farmscale evaluations, is expected to be about the same. These are approximate figures because consents for releases are granted on the basis of a maximum area that can be grown and companies do not necessarily sow all the area for which they have approval. Figures for earlier years are not available, but were no more than the 1998 levels.

Mr. Yeo

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will publish the research commissioned by his Department into the cross-contamination between genetically modified crops and crops that are not genetically modified. [84535]

Mr. Meacher

[holding answer 17 May 1999]: Yes, all reports from research commissioned by the Government into the cross-pollination of genetically modified (GM) crops and non-GM crops are published. Gene transfer in oilseed rape was considered in my Department's Research Report No.12, Investigation of Feral Oilseed Rape Populations, a copy of which is in the Library. Ongoing research commissioned by MAFF on pollen transfer will be published when the work is complete.

Mr. Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on differences in his policy in respect of GM crops on(a) limited commercial planting and (b) farm-scale trials. [85363]

Mr. Meacher

[holding answer 25 May 1999]: There are no differences in policy, the growing of all GM crops must be covered by a valid consent issued in accordance with Directive 90/220/EEC on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms. Before a consent is granted the applicant must have carried out an assessment of the risks posed to the environment and demonstrated compliance with all aspects of the directive. Those crops planted as part of the farmscale evaluations will in addition be studied for ecological effects in comparison with equivalent non-GM crops.