Mr. Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what assessment he has made of the necessity ofgenetically modifying the mycotoxins involved in the United Nations Drug Control Programme research into the use of mycotoxins indrug crop eradication programmes; and if he will make a statement; [134272](2) what assessment he has made of the potential dangers arising from United Nations Drug Control Programme research into the use ofmycotoxins in drug crop eradication programmes; and if he will make a statement; [134271](3) what assessment he has made of the potential for mutation of the mycotoxins involved in the United Nations Drug ControlProgramme research into the use of mycotoxins in drug crop eradication programmes; and if he will make a statement; [134273](4) what assessment he has made of the potential dangers arising from the use of (a) naturally occurring and (b)genetically-modified mycotoxins in drug crop eradication programmes; and if he will make a statement. [134274]Mr. Battle: The only United Nations International Drugs Programme (UNDCP) research into mycotoxins in drug crop eradicationprogrammes is into the opium poppy fungus, pleospora papaveracea. The UK has supported this programme which has focused onestablishing whether this naturally occurring fungus is viable as an opium poppy control agent and whether the fungus is specific toopium poppy.Subject to the progress of research in this phase, a further phase of research would investigate wider safety issues, including thepotential for mutation. The Government have made it clear that if research revealed harmful effects, the UK would withdraw supportand press for closure of the programme.No consideration is being given to the use of genetically modified mycotoxins in drug crop eradication programmes.