§ Baroness Byfordasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the so-called "terminator" development in genetically modified seeds has been discontinued worldwide; and whether it will not be recommended for use in the foreseeable future; and [HL3613]
When they will answer the Question for Written Answer on terminator seeds tabled by Baroness Byford on 27 March. [HL5008]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Whitty)Development of sterile seed technology (known colloquially as terminator technology) is continuing in the USA. It is highly unlikely that any applications to release such genetically modified plants in Europe will be submitted within the next few years. The UK would take a very cautious position should such an application involving this technology ever be submitted, in line with our strict, case-by-case, precautionary approach.