HC Deb 11 November 1999 vol 337 cc686-7W
Joan Ruddock

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what new distances he will prescribe for the buffer zones surrounding genetically modified crops; if he will give his reasons for the change; when a further review will take place; and if he will make a statement. [96776]

Mr. Meacher

[holding answer 1 November 1999]: Recent information from studies about the dispersal of pollen has been referred to ACRE, and it will, if necessary, be taken into account in future advice.

I am aware of the concerns expressed by some, especially organic farmers, regarding the spread of GM pollen. I have consulted other organisations including the Soil Association, and I am considering their responses.

Joan Ruddock

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his press release of 5 November concerning GM crops, what commercial benefits the consent holder for GM crops subject to the voluntary agreement will be permitted to seek; if the crops may be given to farmers to feed to animals; what steps he is taking to ensure that such crops do not enter the human food chain; and if he will make a statement. [98108]

Mr. Meacher

I will write to my hon. Friend.

Joan Ruddock

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his press release of 5 November, concerning GM crops, if he will list the plantings of farm-scale trials of GM crops subject to the voluntary agreement which he expects to agree between now and 2002, indicating the crops to be planted, when they are to be planted, what acreage is required for each, what separation distances will be used for each and how long after harvest he estimates the environmental effects of each crop will be completely evaluated. [98109]

Mr. Meacher

GM fodder maize and spring and winter oil seed rape, all modified for herbicide tolerance, are the three crops currently in the farm-scale evaluations. Subject to the advice of the independent Scientific Steering Committee, a fourth crop, herbicide tolerant beet (sugar/fodder), may be included in the farm-scale evaluations from next year. Plantings for the farm-scale evaluations are limited to 20–25 fields per crop per year, each field being 5–10 ha in size (approx. 13–25 acres), subject to the advice and requirements of the Scientific Steering Committee. Plantings covered by this agreement will take place during the three years 2000, 2001 and 2002. Separation distances are defined by the terms of the individual consents and the SCIMAC guidelines, and are currently 50 m for oil seed rape and maize, and 200 m for registered organic crops. The Government will ask the Scientific Steering Committee to review data from the farm-scale evaluations and provide recommendations/ advice by end-October 2002. For winter oil seed rape, for which the third year harvest will be summer 2003, the Government will ask the Scientific Steering Committee to complete analysis and reporting of results in time for Autumn 2003 plantings to take place should the null hypothesis be confirmed.