§ Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domerasked Her Majesty's Government.
Whether the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs' public debate on genetically modified crops will consider philosophical and ethical considerations relating to both GM crops and GM food. [HL4655]
§ Lord WhittyThe Government want a full and informed debate and are not limiting the issues for discussion. We recognise that there are a number of topics that will be considered and discussed as part of the process.
§ Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domerasked Her Majesty's Government:
Which individuals and organisations will he invited to submit representations ahead of and during the proposed GM debate; and whether they will specify how many focus groups will be established. [HL4656]
§ Lord WhittyThe Government intend that any individual or organisation wishing to contribute to the debate will be able to do so. We are considering the detailed advice provided by the Agriculture and Environment Biotechnology Commission on how the debate might be conducted, including its suggested use of focus groups.
§ Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domerasked Her Majesty's Government:
What criteria they will use to determine their decision whether or not to allow the commercialisation of GM crops within the United Kingdom. [HL4657]
§ Lord WhittyBefore a GM crop can be grown commercially decisions are needed under several different regulatory controls. This includes legislation on the approval of pesticides (if the GM crop is a herbicide-tolerant variety), on the approval of new agricultural plant varieties (the national list), the EU Novel Foods Regulations and the EU directive on the deliberate release of genetically modified organisms. Prior to the possible commercialisation of GM crops, the government are also considering the terms on which they might co-exist with non-GM production.