§ 18. Mr. KhabraTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what research her Department has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the impact of genetically modified foods in developing countries. [85992]
§ Clare ShortWe are planning to commission a study of the costs and benefits to the livelihoods of poor people in developing countries arising from so-called "terminator" gene technologies. We are helping to fund an assessment by the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics of the risks to biodiversity of introducing transgenic pigeonpea cultivars into traditional cropping systems in India and are also funding an analysis of the impact in the Philippines of genetically male fish (tilapia).
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19. Mr. Alan W. WilliamsTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what representations she has received on the recent report by Christian Aid on food and genetic engineering. [85993]
§ Clare ShortI have not received any representations on the recent report by Christian Aid on food and genetic engineering. I have received a number of letters from the public expressing concerns about genetic engineering.
My officials recently held a consultation meeting with representatives from 10 non-governmental organisations, including a representative from Christian Aid, on our policy on GMOs and developing countries. This provided an opportunity to clarify the approach outlined in our published briefing note and to emphasise that the principle which guides all our activities is poverty elimination. The discussions were very constructive and helpful.