§ Mr. David HeathTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list research funded by his Department into GM food and crops giving(a) the research project title, (b) the project reference number, (c) the research contractors, (d) the date on which the research was completed or is due to be completed and (e) the date on which the results will be published. [101751]
§ Ms Quin[holding answer 9 December 1999]: Research projects funded by my Department and relevant to genetic modification are listed in a table which has been placed in the Library. The research aims to further the understanding of the safety of genetically modified foods and of the risks genetically modified crops might pose to the agricultural environment. The research also underpins the science needed to understand gene function and to improve the technology of genetic modification, for example by limiting gene expression to specific plant 185W tissues or improving stability of genes. Final reports of the projects are listed on the MAFF website usually within three months of the end of the project, the results of the research are also published in the scientific literature.