§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what representations he has received concerning the direct discharge of untreated liquid wastes from biotech companies into the environment; and if he will make a statement; [6859]
(2) what assessment he has made of the health risks posed by transgenic waste disposal from commercial scale contained users; and if he will make a statement; [6861]
(3) if he will make a statement on the discharge of liquid wastes containing live genetically modified micro-organisms into sewers and the drainage system. [6860]
§ Angela EagleDischarge of waste containing live genetically modified micro-organisms (GMMs) is covered by the Genetically Modified Organisms (Contained Use) Regulations 1992, as amended in 1996. Under the Regulations, an assessment of the risks to human health and the environment must be undertaken before commencing any activity involving genetic modification. The risk assessment enables the appropriate control measures to be selected. The Regulations require that waste containing live GMMs which would pose a risk to human health and/or the environment must be inactivated prior to disposal. This requirement applies at all scales of work with 'transgenic' (GMM) waste.
As I indicated in the answer I gave my Hon. Friend the Member for West Lancashire (Mr. Pickthall) on 27 June, column 667, the Advisory Committee on Genetic Modification (ACGM) is currently considering, in consultation with interested bodies, the matter of direct discharge of those untreated liquid wastes which are judged, on the basis of thorough risk assessment, not to pose a risk of harm to human health and the environment. It is proposed to achieve this by way of a certificate of exemption from the requirements of the Regulations. Previous consultation on this matter by the Health and Safety Commission indicated that there was strong support for permitting such discharge.
The proposed exemption certificate, together with accompanying detailed guidance, is currently undergoing consultation with the biotechnology community and environmental groups. To date a number of responses have been received from organisations including universities and research institutes. HSE will consider 336W ACGM's advice, as regards the outcome of the consultation, before agreeing with relevant departments (so far as matters relate to the environment) the best way to proceed.