§ Mr. Martyn JonesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what separation distances will apply to the GM farm-scale evaluations this spring. [149560]
§ Ms QuinFollowing the scientific review and public consultation on separation distances that the Ministry commissioned last year, Ministers have asked the industry representative body, SCIMAC, this year to apply the separation distances for the spring farm-scale evaluations as set out in the table, a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House. These include changes to the distance for varietal associations and partially restored hybrids of oilseed rape (increased from 50 metres to 100 metres), and the distance for conventional forage maize (increased from 50 metres to 80 metres).
The purpose of the separation distances is to help ensure that any possible cross-pollination with nearby compatible crops is minimised. Based on best scientific data currently available, the distances in the table should ensure that if any cross-pollination does occur, the resulting GM presence in neighbouring crops would be extremely low. The separation distances agreed should reduce cross-pollination to a maximum of 1 per cent. for any crop and considerably below this maximum in most cases. A background note on the separation distances has been placed in the Library.
491WThe distances in question apply for the purposes of the spring 2001 farm-scale evaluations only, and will be kept under review for future plantings. Steps are being taken to strengthen early communication at local level with farmers in the vicinity of FSE sites. All farmers hosting trials are being given clear guidance by SCIMAC that they should discuss their cropping plans at the earliest possible opportunity beforehand with their immediate neighbours. Ministers are also encouraging early dialogue at local level between FSE operators and all relevant local organic growers, and have asked SCIMAC to work closely with certified seed producers to ensure that current and any prospective EU standards for certified seed can continue to be met. MAFF are arranging a meeting with beekeeping organisations and SCIMAC to discuss specific issues affecting local beekeepers. Communication with local fanners will begin in advance of final decision
(a)Number of officers who left the RUC in years 1999 and 2000 Assistant chief constable Chief superintendent Superintendent Establishment 9 161 Leavers in 1999 0 2 5 Leavers in 2000 1 2 2 Leavers as percentage of establishment in 1999 0.0 4.3 Leavers as percentage of establishment in 2000 11.1 2.5
(b) Number of officers who will leave under the voluntary severance arrangements up to 31 March 2001, with appropriate percentages Assistant chief constable Chief superintendent Superintendent Establishment as at 15 January 2001 9 161 Police scheduled to leave January to March 2001 3 21 30 Police eligible to leave from April to December 2001 1 17 51 (a) As percentage of establishment 33.3 31.7 (b) As percentage of establishment 11.1 42.2 It should be noted that a further 69 officers will satisfy the necessary criteria for the severance arrangements to leave up to 31 March 2002 but nominations have not yet been sought. In addition it is not possible to determine the number of officers who may apply to leave under natural wastage, for example, resignation, health grounds, termination.