Written question asked by Countess of Mar (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Davies of Oldham (Labour) on Monday, 15 March 2010.

Agriculture: Genetically Modified Crops

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the indirect effects on all life-forms of producing herbicide-tolerant genetically modified crops and foods, including the presence of toxic chemical residues, are taken into account during the assessment and approvals process.

Answer: Under the European Union (EU) legislation on the release of genetically modified (GM) organisms, the indirect environmental effects of the specific management techniques associated with a GM herbicide-tolerant crop, including the novel use of the relevant herbicide, will be considered as part of the risk assessment process for the crop in question. Other potential effects that may arise from the use of a herbicide associated with a GM herbicide-tolerant crop, including the presence of toxic residues, would be considered under the separate EU legislation concerning the placing on the market of plant protection products. The precise interplay of the two sets of legislation that are applicable in this context is currently being considered at EU level.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 2621; 718 c111WA
Session: 2009-10
Subjects: Crops Environment Genetically modified organisms Food Residues Weedkillers
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk