Written question asked by Anthony Steen (Conservative) on Tuesday, 14 March 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 16 March 2006. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Tuesday, 21 March 2006 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Varietal Genetic Use Restriction Technologies

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which (a) Government and (b) non-governmental agencies have a role in assessing the potential socio-economic impacts of varietal genetic use restriction technologies.

Answer: Under article 31 of the Directive 2001/18/EC the Commission is bound to provide every three years a report which includes, among other things, an assessment of the socio-economic implications of deliberate releases and placing on the market of GMOs.The criteria for the assessment of a genetically modified organism (GMO) incorporating varietal genetic use restriction technologies set out in the directive does not include a requirement to assess the socio-economic impacts.Socio-economic impacts and GM technology is a factor developing countries can take into account under the Cartagena Protocol which the UK has ratified.

Secondary information