HL Deb 22 June 2000 vol 614 c43WA
Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether studies will be commissioned into the effects of genetically modified pollen ingested and dispersed by bees and other insects. [HL2816]

Lord Whitty

Each application for the release of genetically modified (GM) plants for research purposes is supported by a risk assessment, which is evaluated by government experts and independent scientists on the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment (ACRE). Bee foraging behaviour is well understood and expertise on bees and their behaviour is available to ACRE. When foraging a crop with high flower density, a bee may fly for some metres, possibly hundreds of metres, to a particular area of the crop. ACRE always takes account of pollen dispersal by bees and its likely consequences. ACRE also considers the possible effects of GM crops on other insects when advising whether or not to approve consents for GM crop plantings. If there was any reason to believe the crop would be harmful, its release would not be approved.

My department is aware of recent reports from Germany about the possible effects on bees of ingesting GM pollen. Once this research has been finalised, published and peer reviewed, ACRE will advise if any further research is needed.