§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many representations he has received from(a) hon. Members and (b) others on the issue of genetically modified food; and what proportion of these representations called for a restriction on the development or sale of genetically modified products. [80211]
§ Mr. RookerSince the beginning of 1998, Ministers in this Department have received 1,100 letters from hon. Members about GM foods and biotechnology in general, and approximately 5,500 letters from members of the public and others. Although many of these expressed concerns about the technology of one sort or another, it is not possible to determine the exact proportion which called for a restriction to be placed on the development or sale of GM products without incurring disproportionate costs.