HL Deb 10 October 2003 vol 653 c86WA
Lord Jenkin of Roding

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Why they have not yet ratified the Cartagena protocol on biosafety; and whether they expect to have ratified in time to participate in the first meeting under the protocol in February 2004.

[HL456I]

Lord Whitty

The European Community is expected to complete implementation of the Cartagena protocol later this month through the entry into force of measures governing the export of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This will enable the UK to meet all of its obligations under the protocol, whereupon we will complete the ratification procedure. The Government regard the Cartagena protocol as an important international agreement governing the handling and movement of GMOs, and fully expect to be an active party at the first meeting of parties to the protocol in February 2004.