HL Deb 10 October 2000 vol 617 cc18-9WA
Lord Tomlinson

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What progress has been made by the European Commission to deal with adventitious presence of genetically modified seed in conventional seed. [HL4080]

The Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Baroness Hayman)

The Commission has recently published a package of interim measures on the adventitious presence of genetically modified seed in conventional seed. Copies of these measures have been placed in the Library of the House.

We have urged the Commission to develop comprehensive and enforceable regulatory measures as quickly as possible. In response, Commissioner Byrne has written confirming that the Commission is working on draft proposals to amend the relevant seed marketing directives. We will consult widely on the Commission's proposals once they are available.