HC Deb 24 May 2000 vol 350 cc539-40W
Mr. Yeo

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the risks involved in using genes from the cauliflower mosaic virus in the development and application of genetically modified crop varieties. [122999]

Mr. Meacher

[holding answer 22 May 2000]: The Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment (ACRE) have considered this issue in detail. A full copy of their advice has been placed in the House Library.

ACRE conclude that the cauliflower mosaic virus, when used in the development and application of genetically modified crop varieties, represents an extremely low risk to human health and the environment.

Joan Ruddock

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will instruct SCIMAC to revise separation distances between GM and non-GM crops growing experimentally in the United Kingdom following the disclosure of new information on cross-pollination of oil seed rape plants in Canada. [123268]

Mr. Meacher

[holding answer 23 May 2000]: We are investigating this and will report soon.

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