§ Mr. BakerTo ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, what assessment he has carried out of the investment in Monsanto. [11774]
Mr. BellI am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for raising this at our last question time and for subsequently writing to me. The Commissioners have taken up his points with the Monsanto Chemical Company and I have written to him on the subject.
Monsanto have assured the Commissioners that they are a life science company playing a pivotal role in improving the health and nutritional needs of future generations whilst being strongly committed to complying with various laws and Government regulations concerning environmental matters and employee safety and health.
From an investment standpoint, Monsanto have showed excellent returns over recent years for their shareholders.