Written question asked by Michael Meacher (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 18 March 1997. It was answered by Lord Deben (Conservative) on Tuesday, 18 March 1997 on behalf of the Department of the Environment.

Dept of the Environment

Question: What consultations he has had with the Health and Safety Executive in regard to proposed amendments to European Council Directive GO/219/EEC on genetically modified micro-organisms; what action he has taken following the consultations.

Answer: Mr. Meacher: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what consultations he has had with the Health and Safety Executive in regard to proposed amendments to European Council directive GO/219/EEC on genetically modified micro-organisms; what action he has taken following the consultations; and if he will make a statement. [20760] Mr. Gummer: Following the European Commission's adoption in December 1995 of its proposed amendment to the directive, I agreed a strategy for negotiation of the proposal with the Health and Safety Executive based on support for its essential elements. This was reflected in an explanatory memorandum cleared by the Scrutiny Committees of both Houses of Parliament last year. The proposal has been discussed at three meetings of the Environment Council which I have attended during 1996. The Health and Safety Executive was consulted and full account was taken of its advice. At the last Council held on 9 December 1996, there was broad agreement between member states that the essential elements of the Commission's proposals should be supported.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 20760; 292 c520W
Session: 1996-97
EC documents: Dir90/219/EEC
Subjects: EU law Health and safety Genetically modified organisms Health and Safety Executive