§ Mr. ReedTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what importance is given to the proximity of organic farms when deciding upon the location of farm-scale evaluations of GM crops; and if he will make a statement. [137069]
§ Mr. MeacherThe Government recognise the concerns of organic farmers in relation to the proximity of their farms to the Farm Scale Evaluations of GM crops. The evaluations are being conducted in accordance with guidelines drawn up by SCIMAC (Supply Chain Initiative on Modified Agricultural Crops—a grouping of industry organisations representing farmers, plant breeders, the seed trade and biotechnology companies). The guidelines recognise minimum separation distances between organic and GM crops.
SCIMAC have always made it clear that these guidelines will be reviewed in the light of experience. The National Institute of Agricultural Botany (NIAB) reported to Government on separation distances in August. The Government are considering the implications of the NIAB report, as part of their current wider review of separation distances.
§ Joan RuddockTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions which GM genetic use restriction technologies(a) have been authorised for field testing in Great Britain to date and (b) are awaiting approval. [138846]
§ Mr. MeacherAuthorisation for the field testing of any genetically modified organism (GMO) in Great Britain is considered on a case-by-case basis. Following the assessment of appropriate scientific data by the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment, the Secretary of State issued a consent on 1 June 2000 for a small scale release of an experimental gene use restriction technology (GURT) system in a genetically modified potato. No other 605W releases of genetically modified organisms incorporating GURT systems have been approved or are awaiting approval in Great Britain.