HC Deb 19 February 1996 vol 272 cc2-3W
Mrs. Ewing

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what representations he has received in connection with the proposal by Nickerson Biocem to release genetically modified potatoes; [15301]

(2) which sites are currently being reviewed by his Department as potential areas for the release of genetically modified potatoes; [15302]

(3) if he will list the sites from which genetically modified potatoes have been released indicating the date of release; [15303]

(4) what monitoring his Department carried out during the growth and release of genetically modified potatoes; [15304]

(5) what funding has been allocated by his Department to research relating to the release of genetically modified organisms in each of the past five years. [15305]

Mr. Clappison

Two representations have been received from the public on the application from Nickerson Biocem for consent to release genetically modified potatoes. The first representation consisted of a petition signed by 17 people registering their concern over the proposed release and the time allowed for access to public information prior to the issuance of a consent. The second representation requested further details on the proposed release.

Currently one application for consent to release genetically modified potatoes is being reviewed by my Department. The proposed release site for this application is Pitgaveny estate, Elgin in Morayshire.

Since the Genetically Modified Organisms (Deliberate Release) Regulations 1992 came into force on 1 February 1993, genetically modified potatoes have been released at the following sites during the periods indicated:

Sites Dates Year
Trumpington, Cambridge May—October 1993
Trumpington, Cambridge April—October 1994 and 1995
Contrannie, Perthshire April—October 1995
Trumpington, Cambridge April—October 1995
Maplebeck, Nottinghamshire April—October 1993
Maplebeck, Nottinghamshire April—October 1993
Bilsthorpe, Nottinghamshire April—October 1994 and 1995
Bilsthorpe, Nottinghamshire April—October 1994 and 1995
Bilsthorpe, Nottinghamshire April—October 1994 and 1995
Oathlaw, Angus June—August 1993
Oathlaw, Angus May—August 1994 and 1995
Rothamstead, Herts Spring—Autumn 1994 and 1995
Rothamstead, Herts April—September 1995
Dundee and West Linton May—September 1995

All consents to release genetically modified organisms, including genetically modified potatoes, contain a number of specified and general conditions. These include a requirement on the consent holder for monitoring the release and to report to the Secretary of State on the outcome of the release. The consent holder is also required to keep himself, and the Secretary of State, informed of any conditions which may lead to changes in the risk assessment of the release. Compliance with the conditions of a consent is enforced by specialist inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive.

Funding allocated for research relating to the release of genetically modified organisms under my Department's research programme for each of the past five years is as follows:

  • 1995–96: £862,457
  • 1994–95: £615,765
  • 1993–94: £988.221
  • 1992–93: £1,174,794
  • 1991–92: £984,215.