HC Deb 09 March 2000 vol 345 c779W
Joan Ruddock

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what reports he has received regarding commercial cultivation of Novartis genetically modified Bt maize in Germany; and what their implications are for decision-making in the(a) UK and (b) EU. [113617]

Mr. Meacher

I have received no reports regarding commercial cultivation of Novartis genetically modified Bt maize in Germany.

Novartis Bt maize is not and never has been grown in the United Kingdom and Novartis, through the industry body SCIMAC, have given an assurance that there are no plans to do so in the next few years. Therefore any decisions on cultivation in Germany have no implications for the UK.