§ Mr. LuffTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list his Department's responsibilities and policies in relation to genetically-modified crops and the departments with which he liaises on this issue. [67665]
§ Mr. BattleDTI has no direct responsibility for policy relating to genetically modified crops.
The Government's over-riding priority is protection of human health and the environment. They also seek to promote conditions which ensure that the UK derives the maximum quality of life and economic benefits from biotechnology. The DTI has responsibility for policy on science and technology. DTI also has responsibility for those industry sectors sponsored by the Department whose competitiveness may be enhanced through biotechnology. In addition, DTI has the lead role in Government on trade issues.
Policy on biotechnology, including genetically modified crops, is co-ordinated by the Ministerial Group on Biotechnology, as announced by the Prime Minister on 21 October 1998, Official Report, columns 1134–35, which is chaired by the Minister for the Cabinet Office. In addition, officials across Government are in regular contact on biotechnology issues.