§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what studies are available to him of the environmental impact of genetically engineered crops designed to be resistant to herbicides; and what evidence there is of potential prejudice to the environment arising from their use. [28453]
§ Mrs. BrowningUnder the Genetically Modified Organisms (Deliberate Release) Regulations 1992, the release or marketing of genetically modified organisms, including GM crops resistant to herbicides, is subject to prior consent. Applications for consent are required to be accompanied by a risk assessment. Scientific advice is given on applications by an independent committee of experts "The Advisory Committee on Releases into the Environment".
Information is also available from research programmes on the release of GM crops carried out by a number of Departments.
Available scientific information, experience to date and independent expert advice have not raised concern in terms of adverse effects on the environment from the release of GM crop plants resistant to herbicides. We will continue to rely on such information and the advice of ACRE in the review of applications to release GM organisms, including herbicide resistant crops, in order to assess their environmental impact.