§ Mr. LivseyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the pesticides approvals granted and extended by him for spraying in connection with genetically modified crops, indicating(a) the approval reference number, (b) the date where applicable of (i) approval and (ii) extension, (c) the permitted annual maximum area to be treated, (d) the date, where applicable, of (iii) expiry and (iv) extension of the approval, (e) the active ingredients and the products approved and (f) the company or other person holding the approval. [154337]
§ Ms QuinThe only approvals that we have specifically granted for the use of pesticides on genetically modified crops are experimental approvals. Unlike commercial level approvals, experimental approvals are not published for reasons of commercial confidentiality.
We are, however, in the process of reviewing the current arrangements to provide for greater openness and transparency. In the meantime the Pesticides Safety Directorate have been asked to seek the consent of the relevant approval holders to the release of the information requested. I will write with as much of the information requested as is consistent with proper safeguards for commercial confidentiality. Copies of the letter will be made available to the Libraries of the House.