§ Mr. KeetchTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research has been(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated by his Department with regard to the ecological links between the cultivation of potatoes and the existence of the aquatic flies and similar fauna vital for the survival of young salmon and trout; and if he will make a statement. [78879]
§ Mr. RookerNo research of this type has been commissioned or evaluated.
§ Mr. KeetchTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research is being undertaken by his Department(a) directly and (b) by contract to outside bodies on the genetic modification of potatoes; and if he will make a statement. [78878]
§ Mr. RookerMy Department currently funds two research projects involving the genetic modification of potatoes. Both projects involve strategic R&D to investigate genetic manipulation as a possible means to reduce the use of chemicals during the growth and storage of potato tubers.
A three-year project within the Cell Engineering LINK programme started in 1996 and is due to end on 30 April. The LINK consortium comprises the University of Leeds and Advanced Technologies (Cambridge) Ltd. Government contributors come from MAFF and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council. The aim of this project is to investigate the feasibility of genetic modification as a means of reducing damage by nematodes and thus reduce the use of chemical nematicides.
A second three-year project funded by MAFF at the University of Nottingham started in February 1999. HRI-Wellesbourne is a sub-contractor on this project, which also receives an "in-kind" contribution from Advanced Technologies (Cambridge) Ltd. The aim of this project is to investigate specific biochemical changes occurring in potato tubers which affect their storage behaviour.