§ Joan RuddockTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what reports his Department has received concerning the efforts of the state Government of Rio Grande do Sul to guarantee non-genetically modified soya bean production throughout their state; and what plans his Department has to give assistance. [84500]
§ Mr. MeacherI met the Secretary of Agriculture for the Brazilian State of Rio Grande do Sul on 13 May at his request to hear about the ability of his State to supply non genetically modified soya to UK customers. We shall certainly take this information into account in sourcing for the future and I have agreed to a further exchange of information at official level.