HC Deb 06 November 2003 vol 412 cc734-5W
Alan Simpson

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment. Food and Rural Affairs what research she has commissioned into coexistence on a commercial scale between GM and non-GM crops that takes account of the interactions and relationships between seed contamination, volunteers, spillage and cross-pollination. [136234]

Mr. Morley

Defra has commissioned a number of studies relevant to co-existence to complement those undertaken by others. These include a report published in 2000 by the National Institute of Agricultural Botany on crop separation distances needed to achieve specified cross-pollination thresholds. Details of other studies including studies on cross-pollination between GM and conventional crops and between GM crops and wild relatives and studies on the persistence and weediness of GM crop volunteers are available through the Defra website a: www.defra.gov.uldenvironment/gm/research/index.htm The European Commission also published a major research study on this subject last year, available at: www.jrc.es/home/publications/publication.cfm?pub = 1044 The body of literature was also recently reviewed by the GM Science Review Panel as part of the GM Dialogue, and their final report is available at: www.gmsciencedebate.org.uk

The Agriculture and Environment Biotechnology Commission has been analysing possible approaches to co-existence and is due to submit a report to the Government later this month. We will consider this issue further in the light of that report.

Mr. Rosindell

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the petition from residents within the Havering area opposing GM crops. [136475]

Mr. Morley

We have no record of receiving the specific petition to which the hon. Member refers, but the Government certainly recognise that people have concerns on this subject. We already have strict and transparent safety controls on GM crops, along with clear labelling rules to ensure consumer choice. The Government are now considering the outcome of the GM public debate that they have sponsored and will make a response to this in due course.