§ Mr. YeoTo ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will publish the paper by the Chief Medical Officer and the Chief Scientific Adviser on the human health implications of genetically modified foods, requested by the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Biotechnology, when he receives it. [76291]
§ Dr. Jack Cunningham[holding answer 12 March 1999]The Chief Medical Officer and the Chief Scientific Adviser have been asked to advise Ministers on the public health implications of the genetic modification of food. Their work will be conducted in accordance with the Government's Guidelines on "The Use of Scientific Advice in Policy Making", which sets out a framework for ensuring that Government policy is made on the basis of the best scientific advice. Advice from officials to Ministers is not normally published but the possibility of publication in this case will be considered when the advice has been received.