§ Jackie BallardTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what his policy is in respect of GM maize trials in the future; and what views have been expressed to his Department at local residents' meetings on GM maize trials. [127793]
§ Mr. MeacherThe Farm Scale Evaluations are a three-year programme. The Scientific Steering Committee (SSC), which is overseeing the trials, has advised that there should be around 60 to 75 GM maize sites during this period. The SSC is due to meet in the autumn to consider its requirements for next year. It is too early to predict what it might advise.
The Scientific Steering Committee has stated that where farmers' normal rotation is to have consecutive years of maize on the same site, it is possible that trial sites used this year could be used again. However, site selection is a matter for SCIMAC and the independent researchers, using criteria set by the Scientific Steering Committee.
At each public meeting held during the spring, a range of views was expressed by local people, from strong opposition to definite support for the trials. One group of activists opposed to the trials attended several of the meetings.