§ Joan RuddockTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress has been made by the EU on plans to develop harmonised guidelines for GMO risk assessment for cosmetic products; and if he will make a statement. [108622]
§ Mr. MeacherProposals for the development of such guidelines are still under consideration by the European Commission Scientific Steering Committee.
§ Joan RuddockTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent advice he has received about the use of antibiotic marker genes in genetically modified plants which provide raw materials for the production of cosmetics and perfumes. [108621]
§ Mr. MeacherI have received no additional advice further to that given in my answer of 17 June 1999,Official Report, column 200W.