§ Mr. RedwoodTo ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to his answer of 26 February 1999,Official Report, column 455, concerning meetings on genetically modified foods and crops, for what reason the Minister for Science left the meeting. [75541]
§ Dr. Jack Cunningham[holding answer 9 March 1999]: My noble Friend the Minister for Science set out his reasons for withdrawing from Government decisions or discussions relating to genetically modified food and crop policy in his statement of 16 February. This stated:
At the time I became a Minister I stated in the press statement I issued that while all my shares in J. Sainsbury plc would be placed in a blind trust, the size of my shareholding in the Company meant that it was likely that I would retain a beneficial interest in the Company via the blind trust. I therefore said that I would stand aside from decisions or discussions having any specific effect on the company.