Written question asked by Anthony Steen (Conservative) on Thursday, 4 June 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 9 June 1998. It was answered by Angela Eagle (Labour) on Tuesday, 9 June 1998 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, what compensation will be offered to Riverford Farm, Staverton Bridge, as a result of loss of trade resulting from the consent by his Department to a test site for herbicide-resistant maize; and if he will withdraw his consent for the growing of herbicide-resistant maize in the proximity of Riverford Farm. - Includes ref to 312 c156W dated 14 May 1998.

Answer: Mr. Steen: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what compensation will be offered to Riverford Farm, Staverton Bridge, as a result of loss of trade resulting from the consent by his Department to a test site for herbicide-resistant maize; and if he will withdraw his consent for the growing of herbicide-resistant maize in the proximity of Riverford Farm. [45121] Angela Eagle: It has not been established that any loss of trade will occur from the proximity of the GM maize trial to Riverford Farm and in view of this it is inappropriate to consider compensation. I hope the matter will be resolved satisfactorily. Regarding the request to withdraw the consent for the GM maize trial I refer the hon. Member to the answer given recently to the hon. Member for Lewes (Mr. Baker) on 14 May 1998, Official Report, column 156.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 313 c524-5W; 45121
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Compensation Genetically modified organisms Maize Hood Barton Riverford Farm