HC Deb 22 December 1997 vol 303 cc492-3W
Mr. Tyler

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on his Department's mechanisms for reviewing policy in respect of genetically engineered crops. [21788]

Mr. Rooker

The Department has a number of mechanisms for reviewing policy in this area. We seek a wide range of views through informal meetings with consumer, environmental and industry groups, well-publicised public consultations and discussions and workshops attended by invited scientific experts. We also obtain expert advice from our own independent scientific advisory committees and through cross-membership of these committees with those advising the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions.