HC Deb 06 July 1999 vol 334 c432W
Joan Ruddock

To ask the Prime Minister (1) if the studies of the consequences of developments in biotechnology to be undertaken by the OECD on behalf of the G8 will be published; [88085]

(2) pursuant to his oral statement of 21 June 1999 on the G8 summit, Official Report, columns 761–64, if he will ensure that the terms of reference of the studies on the consequences of developments in biotechnology, to be undertaken by committees of the OECD and reported to next year's summit, are placed in the Library. [88094]

The Prime Minister

The Government are committed to ensuring an open and informed debate on biotechnology both within the United Kingdom and internationally. I firmly endorse the G8 conclusions inviting the OECD to carry out studies in this area, and we are currently discussing with G8 partners and the OECD the detailed arrangements under which these can best be taken forward.