HC Deb 07 November 2002 vol 392 cc561-2W
Mr. Peter Ainsworth

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what is her Department's position on acceptable thresholds for the adventitious presence of genetically modified organisms in seed batches of(a) oil seed rape, (b) tomatoes, (c) beet, (d) cotton, (e) chicory, (f) maize, (g) potatoes and (h) soya beans; and if she will make a statement. [75244]

Margaret Beckett

[holding answer 21 October 2002]: The EU Commission has proposed the following thresholds for the adventitious presence of approved GM seeds in non-GM seeds:

  • 0.3 per cent. for swede rape
  • 0.5 per cent. for tomato, beet, chicory, maize, cotton and potato
  • 0.7 per cent. for soya bean

The Government is giving careful consideration to our position on these proposals. In so doing, we shall aim to preserve consumer choice by seeking adequate protection for the integrity of non-GM seeds.

Mr. Peter Ainsworth

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will set out her policy towards draft EU proposals for new seed regulations. [75243]

Margaret Beckett

[holding answer 21 October 2002]: The Government is giving careful consideration to the EU Commission's proposals on thresholds for the adventitious presence of approved GM seeds in non-GM seeds. In so doing, we shall aim to preserve consumer choice by seeking adequate protection for the integrity of non-GM seeds.