Genetically Modified Products (Hansard, 15 July 2003)

§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Whitty)

The Government is sponsoring the GM public debate ("GM Nation?") so that people can have their say on GM issues. The debate is being managed by an independent steering board at arm's length from government. The public phase of the debate was launched on 3 June and six regional launch events were held between 3 and 13 June. Further meetings have been arranged by organisations and individuals across the country and people can also participate via the debate website (www.gmnation.org.uk). The deadline for people to submit their views is 18 July.

The Food Standards Agency has also carried out a number of activities as part of its contribution to the GM public debate. Many of these activities were carried out in public and the outcome can be accessed on the agency's website (www.food.gov.uk).

The Agriculture and Environment Biotechnology Commission (AEBC) was set up in June 2000 with a remit to provide the UK Government and devolved administrations with independent, strategic advice on developments in biotechnology and their implications for agriculture and the environment. As part of this process the AEBC has held a number of consultation meetings with stakeholders and the public.

Applications for consents to place particular GM crops and foods on the European market are also subject to mandatory public consultation under the relevant EC legislation.