HC Deb 17 December 1998 vol 322 cc629-30W
Mr. Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the publications issued by British Rail since 1 May 1997, indicating the total cost to British Rail of such publications. [64469]

The potential impact is considered in the context of existing agricultural practices and the Government's commitments to reverse wildlife declines in farmland. The potential advantages or disadvantages of genetically modified crops will be discussed.

This paper is being prepared in consultation with the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment (ACRE) and English Nature. As explained in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Nottingham, South (Mr. Simpson) on 5 November 1998, Official Report, column 638, regarding ACRE's remit, the Secretary of State has asked the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment to advise on the possible changes in agronomic practice and subsequent effects on biodiversity that may result from the release of genetically modified organisms.

When the paper is completed it will be made publicly available.

Mr. Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions in how many trials of genetically modified crops inspected in 1998 the regulations governing their planting have been found to have been broken; and if he will provide details in each instance. [64468]

Mr. Meacher

There were five instances in 1998 where, in the opinion of the Health and Safety Executive Inspector, the release of genetically modified organisms was not being carried out as specified in the consent document regarding the measures taken to restrict pollination of adjacent plants. In each case the consent was varied to include additional precautions to minimise any possible risk to the environment. In all cases the risks arising from pollination of adjacent plants by the genetically modified oilseed rape were assessed to be low.

Ms Glenda Jackson

I understand from the British Railways Board that, apart form the issue of site particulars by Rail Property Ltd., the only publication issued by the Board since 1 May 1997 is its Annual Report and Accounts 1996–97 published in January 1998. The cost of publication is a matter for the Board.