§ Norman BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the(a) likelihood of interbreeding of genetically modified fish and wild fish and (b) environmental consequences of such interbreeding, with particular reference to salmon. [8001]
§ Mr. Meacher[holding answer 15 October 2001]: It is likely that fertile genetically modified (GM) fish released into the environment would interbreed with the local wild population of the same species. The environmental consequences would depend on the individual circumstances.
203WThe likelihood of environmental consequences is the rationale behind the European Regulatory regime, which prohibits releases of genetically modified organisms into the environment. Directive 90/220 requires that anyone wanting to release genetically modified organisms in any country in the EU must have prior approval subject to a detailed risk assessment. Approval cannot be granted unless the applicant can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the regulatory authorities that all appropriate measures have been taken to avoid adverse effects on human health and the environment. Each application is considered on a case by case basis taking account of specific circumstances in each individual case; it is not possible to generalise.
In the case of a proposal to release GM salmon the likelihood of interbreeding with the wild population is one of the factors which would be assessed. It is difficult to envisage approval being granted where the possibility of interbreeding with wild stock exists.