HC Deb 24 May 2000 vol 350 cc552-3W
Mr. Breed

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what was the length of the consultation period prior to the addition of Chardon LL maize to the national seed list; and what considerations he took into account in determining the length of the period; [122778]

(2) what steps his Department took to publicise the consultation on the addition of Chardon LL maize to the national seed list; [122777]

(3) what assessment he has made of the adequacy of (a) the publicity given to the consultation and (b) the length of the consultation period on the addition of genetically modified seed types to the national seed list. [122775]

Ms Quin

The Seeds (National Lists of Varieties) Regulations 1982 (as amended) require Ministers to publish in the Plant Varieties and Seeds Gazette, a notice indicating their proposed decision, and the arrangements and timing (not being less than 14 days) for making written representations or applying to be heard by a person appointed by them. The Gazette was published on 3 April and gave until 21 April—a period of 18 days—for such submissions to be made. This was subsequently extended administratively to 25 April to allow for delays in making submissions because of the Easter break. These arrangements reflected the normal practice for dealing with National List proposed decisions.

Given the wide interest in, and the publicity surrounding, the proposed decision, in addition to publication of the statutory notice in the Plant Varieties and Seeds Gazette, Ministers also issued a press notice announcing their decision. Some 4,000 letters were also sent out to those individuals and organisations who had been corresponding with MAFF about GM National List matters, advising them individually of the proposed decision and the procedures for making written representations or requesting a hearing. Information about the proposed decision, including the tests and trials data on which the decision was based, and the arrangements for making representations and requesting a hearing, were also placed on the MAFF internet website.