HC Deb 13 April 1999 vol 329 c56W
Mr. Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the dates on which each site where genetically modified trial crops are being grown was(i) first subject to such cultivation and (ii) last inspected by a Health and Safety Executive inspector. [74866]

Mr. Meacher

[holding answer 5 March 1999]Since 1993 there have been approximately 620 sites where genetically modified crops have been grown for research purposes. In 1999 the figure is expected to be about 95. The locations and further details of these sites are available on the statutory public register. A report on the inspection activities in the past 12 months will be published shortly and a copy will be placed in the Library.

Mr. Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make it his policy that those responsible for the production of genetically modified crops be required to take out adequate insurance to cover the costs of any resulting damage to(a) the environment and (b) other crops. [75109]

Mr. Meacher

[holding answer 8 March 1999]There is already some protection though Civil law and general product liability. The issue of environmental liability is an important one and the principle that those who damage the environment should pay for remedying the damage caused is one that I would strongly support. The European Commission is currently finalising a White paper on environmental liability and this may offer a way forward. We expect the White paper to include the question of damage by genetically modified organisms but need to study the detail of the Commission's proposals before reaching any conclusions.

Mr. Steen

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the scientific journals his Department has consulted in its investigations into the safety of genetically modified crops. [79267]

Mr. Meacher

[holding answer 29 March 1999]The specific information requested is not available. Through my Department's library, officials have access to all scientific journals published worldwide.

Mr. Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he intends to publish a comprehensive list of(a) trial sites of genetically modified crops in the United Kingdom in the year 1999–2000 and (b) details of genetically modified crops intended to be grown at these trial sites. [80103]

Mr. Meacher

This information is already available on the public register held in DETR and on the DETR website.