HC Deb 29 March 1999 vol 328 c457W
Mr. Mitchell

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the (1) sites in the United Kingdom where genetically modified crops have been grown in breach of the licence conditions and (2) the name of(a) the promoter and (b)owner of the (i) trial and (ii) materials in the trial and (c)any other (A) body and (B) person responsible for conducting such trials. [72554]

Mr. Meacher

There have been two such cases in the UK where a successful prosecution has been taken. The information is as follows:

  1. 1.Both cases were located at Joseph Nickersons Farms. Rothwell, Lincolnshire.
  2. 2.(a) (b) (i) and (ii) Monsanto plc and Perrytields Holdings Limited.
  1. (c) Nickerson Seeds Limited on behalf of Monsanto plc and Perryfields Holdings Limited.

Mr. Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on which occasions the team of Green Ministers has discussed issues relating to genetic modification. [75088]

Mr. Meacher

[holding answer 8 March 1999]The issue of genetic modification has not been discussed by Green Ministers. It is considered within Government by a different, specific, Cabinet Sub-Committee.

Mr. Steen

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will introduce legislation to make biotechnology companies legally and financially liable for any damage to the environment caused by genetically modified crops. [75200]

Mr. Meacher

[holding answer 10 March 1999]There is already some protection though Civil law and general product liability. The issue of environmental liability is an important one and the principle that those who damage the environment should pay for remedying the damage caused is one that I would strongly support. The European Commission is currently finalising a White Paper on environmental liability and this may offer a way forward. We expect the White Paper to include the question of damage by genetically modified organisms but need to study the detail of the Commission's proposals before reaching any conclusions.