§ Andrew GeorgeTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many applications she has received for the authorisation of GM crops since December 2002; and if she will make a statement on the process. [101257]
§ Mr. MeacherI have received no applications for authorisation to place a GM crop on the market under Directive 2001/18 since the beginning of December. However, two applications made before that date are still under consideration. In addition the UK has been notified of 17 applications that are being processed by other member states.
§ Annabelle EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to license GM crops in Scotland for commercial use. [101770]
§ Mr. Meacher[holding answer 7 March 2003]: Decisions to authorise the commercial importation or cultivation of any GM crop will be taken by European Union (EU) Member States collectively, on a case-by-case basis, working with the European Commission in the context of EU Directive 2001/18. In preparing the UK's opinion the Government will consult the Devolved Administrations on all applications. We will not support consent for commercial cultivation of any GM crops to which the results of the UK's Farm Scale Evaluation trials are relevant, until the results have been assessed and a conclusion drawn that the management of the crops concerned does not pose a risk to the environment. Under the single market regime of the EU, once a GM crop has commercial approval it can be imported and, if the consent conditions permit, cultivated anywhere in the EU.