Written question asked by Countess of Mar (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Davies of Oldham (Labour) on Monday, 29 March 2010.

Agriculture: Genetically Modified Crops

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government further to the Written Answer by Lord Davies of Oldham on 8 March (WA 12), whether there was discussion about the scientific evidence of proposed authorisations for genetically modified products in the Council of Ministers.

Answer: There is not normally a substantive discussion when votes are taken in the Council of Ministers on proposed authorisations for genetically modified (GM) products. Any issues about the scientific evidence relating to a specific product are usually raised at an earlier stage in the EU assessment process, before a decision is referred to the council. Scientific questions concerning GM food and feed applications under Regulation (EC) No.1829/2003 can be raised at the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health, and for applications made under the GMO Deliberate Release Directive 2001/18/EC at the associated Regulatory Committee. The position taken by the UK on GM applications is informed by the expert scientific advice provided by the European Food Safety Authority and the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 2899; 718 c332WA
Session: 2009-10
Related items: Genetically Modified Crops
Monday, 8 March 2010
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Genetically modified organisms EU action Research Science Council of Ministers
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk