§ Mr. RedwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how the Government differentiate between genetically modified food and genetically modified crop biotechnology in determining departmental responsibilities. [74221]
§ Mr. Byers[holding answer 2 March 1999]The responsibility for agriculture and food issues—including those relating to genetically modified crops and foods—rests primarily with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
Other Government Departments also have a role. For example, the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions has primary responsibility for protection of the environment, and is therefore responsible for ensuring the safety of the release of genetically modified organisms—including genetically modified crops—into the environment. In this respect, DETR/MAFF act jointly on GM crop applications, with DETR taking the lead. Similarly, given the Department of Health's primary responsibility for human health, it acts jointly with MAFF on genetically modified food applications, with MAFF taking the lead.
The Office of Science and Technology seeks to ensure that there is effective co-ordination between Government Departments, and that the Government are receiving the best scientific advice.