§ Mr. RosindellTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the effect of the introduction of genetically modified crops on wildlife; and what studies the Government commissioned on the subject. [169944]
§ Mr. MorleyThe effects on wildlife from the cultivation of each particular GM crop is assessed on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the criteria in European Directive 2001/18 on the deliberate release of genetically modified organisms.
In the case of GM herbicide tolerant oilseed rape, beet and maize the effects of the management of these crops on wildlife was studied in the GM crop farm scale evaluations. The results of these evaluations for spring 17W sown oilseed rape, beet and maize were published in October last year. Results for winter sown oilseed rape will be published later this year.