§ Mr. PickthallTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with the Advisory Committee for Genetic Modification about its consideration of allowing direct discharge of untreated liquid wastes from biotech companies into the environment. [5647]
§ Angela EagleThe Health and Safety Commission's 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 the environment. This matter is covered by the Genetically Modified Organisms (Contained Use) Regulations 1992, as amended in 1996. The Health and Safety Executive enforces these Regulations and will consider ACGM's advice before agreeing with the relevant Departments (so far as matters relate to the environment) the best way to proceed.