§ Joan RuddockTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans there are to conduct a criminal investigation into the planting in spring of this year of an oil seed rape variety after it was discovered to be contaminated with GM seeds. [123755]
§ Mr. Meacher[holding answer 25 May 2000]: The Government are still considering this matter.
§ Joan RuddockTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the statement by Advanta that cross-pollination between GM and non-GM crops in Canada led to the contamination of rape oil seed planted in the United Kingdom, with particular reference to separation distances between GM and non-GM crops in the UK. [123267]
§ Mr. Meacher[holding answer 23 May 2000]: We are urgently investigating with Advanta the circumstances in Canada that gave rise to the contamination of oil seed rape planted in the United Kingdom.
62W
§ Joan RuddockTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent discussions he has had with his counterparts in other member states of the European Union about the possible contamination of the European conventional maize crop with GM maize. [124342]
§ Mr. MeacherI have not had any discussions with Environment Ministers of other member states about this issue, but I shall raise this at the June EU Environment Council.
My officials have been in contact with officials in other member states where Advanta seeds are known to have been sold.