§ Mr. Alan SimpsonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment his Ministry has made of the research work on genetically modified potatoes undertaken by Dr. Pusztai whilst at the Rowett Research Institute. [70046]
§ Mr. Macdonald[holding answer 16 February 1999]I have been asked to reply as responsibility for this subject lies with The Scottish Office.
The Department has itself made no assessment of the work in question, but following the publicity which surrounded this project the Rowett Research Institute arranged last August for an audit committee, including external experts, to carry out a full analysis of all data available. The audit committee concluded that the data did not support any suggestion that the consumption by rats of transgenic potatoes expressing the lectin GNA (Galanthus nivalis) has an effect on growth, organ development or the immune system.
587WThe report of the Audit Committee was published by the Director of the Rowett Research Institute in October 1998.
From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.