§ Malcolm BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the Government's response to the Agriculture and Biotechnology Commission's advice to the Government that a public debate be held on genetic modification issues. [75176]
§ Chris GraylingTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to hold a public debate on genetic modification issues in response to the advice of the Agriculture and Biotechnology Commission. [75900]
§ Mr. Meacher[holding answer 21 October 2002]: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced on 26 July the terms on which the Government will sponsor a public dialogue on genetic modification (GM) issues. The overall process will have three components: a public debate organised independently of the Government, a review of the science on GM issues, and a study of the costs and benefits associated with GM. The Government wants an open and balanced dialogue that will help to deepen understanding of the issues surrounding this technology.