§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government: What is their response to:
- (a) the call by the British Medical Association in Scotland for trials of genetically modified crops to be stopped immediately to safeguard public health; and
- (b) the move by Devon and Lancashire County Councils and three other local authorities to restrict genetically modified foods and crops. [HL,2749]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Whitty)(a) Approval of genetically modified crop trials in Scotland is a matter for the Scottish Executive, subject to EU regulations.
(b) Local authorities are entitled to make their own choices and to take their own decisions in relation to the use of genetically modified organisms on their own land or in goods supplied to them. However, relevant EU and UK legislation is based on the general presumption that authorized genetically modified 123WA food and crop products may be marketed without restriction throughout the Community, provided all appropriate measures have been taken to avoid adverse effects on human health and the environment.
§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have studied the statement by the United States Government that genetically modified crops do not increase yields; and that by the directors of Oxfam, Christian Aid, Save the Children, Cafod and Action Aid on the relationship between genetically modified crops and poverty and malnutrition in the developing world; and, if so, what response they made. [HL2824]
§ Lord WhittyThese statements are being considered, alongside other evidence, by the Prime Minister's Strategy Unit as part of its study on the overall costs and benefits of GM crops. This study will contribute to the ongoing public dialogue on GM issues, and the Strategy Unit is expected to publish its final report in June 2003. More information can be found atwww.strategy.gov.uk/2002/GM/summ.shtml