§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many genetically modified animals, including fish, are now in existence in England and Wales; and how cross-breeding with conventional animals is to be prevented. [HL1222]
25WA
§ The Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Lord Donoughue)It is not possible to say how many genetically modified animals there are in England and Wales. The Animal (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 regulates the production and breeding of genetically modified animals but the Home Office only collects statistics on the production of such animals, and not how many of them are still alive at any time. Most of the genetically modified animals produced in England and Wales are laboratory rodents. No genetically modified animals enter the food chain.
No genetically modified animals, including fish, have been released into the environment in the UK. Under Council Directive 90/220/EEC, genetically modified animals could not be released in the UK without a thorough risk assessment which would include measures required to prevent cross-breeding where necessary.