§ Joan RuddockTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to his answer of 21 July 1999,Official 32W Report, column 531, what was the transgenic nature of the work at Otter Ferry Salmon Ltd.; and what were the results of the research. [93195]
§ Dr. ReidThe work involved the production of genetically modified Atlantic Salmon. Copies of a growth hormone gene taken from Chinook Salmon were introduced into 10,000 Atlantic Salmon eggs by micro-injection. The fish were grown in a land-based containment facility for up to one year. A high level of containment was maintained throughout the project. A small number of fish were identified as transgenic, based on accelerated growth. Approximately 50 of the fish grew at four times the normal rate, with no sign of abnormalities. The project was terminated after approximately a year, and all the fish were destroyed.