Written question asked by Hilton Dawson (Labour) on Monday, 3 November 1997, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 6 November 1997. It was answered by Angela Eagle (Labour) on Thursday, 6 November 1997 on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, if he will make it his policy in the European Council to support those member states of the European Community which have banned genetically modified maize.

Answer: Mr. Dewson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make it his policy in the European Council to support those member states of the European Community which have banned genetically modified maize. [14558] Angela Eagle: At the Article 21 Committee on 5 November, Austria requested that the vote on the Commission proposal to require Austria and Luxembourg to repeal their bans on GM maize be postponed. The United Kingdom delegation, among others, supported the Austrian request, and consideration of the Commission's proposal has been deferred until the next meeting of the Article 21 Committee, in about two months time. In the meantime it is expected that the Commission will endeavour to find compromise wording for the proposal and the Government will consider its position in the light of these developments.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 14558; 300 c281W
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: EU countries Genetic engineering Genetically modified organisms Food European Council Maize