§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Prime Minister if he will set out departmental responsibilities for biotechnology issues; and what steps he takes to ensure(a) cross-departmental co-ordination and (b) that environmental aspects are fully taken into account. [26787]
§ The Prime MinisterThese issues cut across a number of Government Departments. Specific information on departmental responsibilities in respect of regulation, information sources and support for biotechnology in the UK is available through the "BioGuide", published by the DTI. Copies are available in the Library.
The President of the Board of Trade as Cabinet Minister for Science, supported by the Minister for Science, Energy and Industry, takes overall responsibility for co-ordination of biotechnology issues across Government.
477WThe cross-departmental co-ordination of biotechnology policy is undertaken, at official level, by the Interdepartmental Group on Genetic Modification Technology (IGGMOT). IGGMOT was established under the auspices of the Office of Science and Technology in 1993 to provide a forum for consideration of biotechnology policy across Government, both domestic and international. Since its inception, IGGMOT has become increasingly important tool for the co-ordination of biotechnology policy, including environmental aspects.
The official Cabinet Committee on Science and Technology (EASO), chaired by the Government's Chief Scientific Advisor, also maintains an overview of biotechnology issues.