HL Deb 24 July 1998 vol 592 c146WA
Lord Jopling

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What advice was taken from scientific and environmental bodies on the implications of releasing genetically modified salmon, which grew at 10 times the normal rate and were able to tolerate much colder sea water, into the oceanic environment, before permission, which had been refused in Canada, was given for these salmon to be bred in Scotland. [HL2842]

Lord Sewel

In 1995–96 the Health and Safety Executive authorised a trial on genetically modified salmon at Otterferry, Loch Fyne.

The trial was authorised following the submission of an Environmental Risk Assessment and a series of exploratory visits by the HSE, Department of Environment and the Scottish Office Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries Department.

The trial was conducted in land based facilities under strict supervision and subject to rigorous quarantine conditions. The trial was concluded prematurely and all fish destroyed.