§ Dr. Julian LewisTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment. Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the progress of genetically modified crop trials in the United Kingdom. [117740]
§ Mr. MeacherFollowing my announcement about the Farm Scale Evaluations on 17 March, my Department has been notified of 42 proposed field sites. This information is available on our website, which is regularly updated.
During the spring, GM maize, beet and spring oil seed rape will be planted in part of each field involved in the programme, and the rest of the field will be planted with the equivalent non-GM crop. Independent researchers will then study what effects, if any, growing and managing the GM crops has on wildlife.
Demonstrating the Government's commitment to openness and transparency on GM issues, my Department has arranged a series of public meetings across England, about the research programme. These meetings provide local people living near to the trial sites an opportunity to hear a series of presentations about the Evaluations and to put questions to a panel consisting of an official from my Department, one of the scientists from the independent researchers, a representative from an environmental group and a representative from the biotechnology industry.