HC Deb 26 May 1999 vol 332 cc199-200W
Joan Ruddock

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what reports his Department has received concerning the efforts of the state Government of Rio Grande do Sol to guarantee non-genetically modified soya bean production throughout their state; and what plans his Department has to give assistance. [84504]

Mr. Battle

My hon. Friend the Member for Hornsey and Wood Green (Mrs. Roche), the then Under-Secretary with responsibility for Small Firms, received a courtesy call from the Governor of Rio Grande do Sol on 25 September 1997, following a visit she made to Brazil in June 1997. The call focused on general trade relations. The issue of genetically modified soya beans was not raised during this meeting.

No reports have been received on this issue by DTI Ministers or officials.

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