§ Mr. Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many times officials from his Department have met officials from the US Government to discuss genetically modified organisms and the biotechnology industry since 1 June 1998; if he will list the dates and locations of each meeting; and with which US Government department his officials met. [80834]
§ Mr. MeacherMinisters and officials in this department are in regular contact with representatives of all those with an interest in biotechnology—including environmental groups, consumer groups and biotechnology companies. We are also studying practice and trials in a number of countries overseas, including the United States. My officials have met with US Government officials on about a dozen occasions since June 1998, including at multinational meetings such as those held under the auspices of the OECD and UNEP. Information on dates and locations of meetings held at official level is not collected centrally.