HL Deb 29 March 1999 vol 599 cc16-7WA
The Earl of Haddington

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What precautions are being taken to prevent the escape of genetically modified (GM) material from the controlled trial areas of GM crops, in particular with respect to the escape of brassica pollen into the natural environment where mutation could be established with brassica weeds. [HL1299]

Lord Whitty

Each application for the release of genetically modified (GM) plants for research purposes is supported by a rigorous risk assessment, which is evaluated by government experts and independent scientists on the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment (ACRE). Their consideration will include the possible spread of GM pollen and its likely consequences. Based on the type of GM plant, how it has been modified and the circumstances of the proposed release it may be judged necessary to minimise the potential for cross-pollination of neighbouring sexually compatible crops or wild relatives by the GM plants. The precautions taken to reduce cross-pollination include specific isolation distances between GM and non-GM plants or borders of non-GM plants around the plots of GM plants.

The potential of brassica pollen from GM oilseed rape to cross-pollinate brassica weeds has recently been reviewed by Professor Alan Gray, who is a member of ACRE. A copy of that report entitled Environmental Risks of Herbicide Tolerant Oilseed Rape has been placed in the Library.

Lord Swinfen

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they consider that a six-metre barrier of non-genetically modified plants around an area of similar but genetically modified plants is a suitable safety measure to prevent the spread of genetically modified pollen when pollen can be carried much further by insects or wind. [HL1308]

Lord Whitty

The provision of a six-metre wide border of non-genetically modified plants surrounding a trial plot of genetically modified plants is one way of reducing, but not preventing, the spread of pollen. I refer the noble Lord to my Answer (HL 1299) which gives further information on this point.