§ Mr. BerminghamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if it is his intention to allow public consultation under rules to specify legal procedures for the release outdoors of genetically altered organisms; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what representations he has had concerning the establishment of a safety directorate to oversee the application of safety rules to all research and production involving the use of genetically engineered organisms; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. TrippierControls over the release of genetically engineered or manipulated organisms are administered principally by the Health and Safety Executive at present. Improvements in the existing controls to provide greater protection for the environment are being considered in the light of the 13th report of the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution and of comments received in response to the consultation paper "Proposals for Additional Legislation on the Intentional Release of Genetically Manipulated Organisms" which was published jointly by my Department and the Scotttish and Welsh Offices. This consideration includes the possible structure of any revised system of controls and the extent to which there should be public consultation on proposed releases, but no decisions have yet been taken.