Written question asked by David Drew (Labour) on Wednesday, 6 December 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 20 December 2000. It was answered by Baroness Quin (Labour) on Wednesday, 20 December 2000 on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food

Question: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, when he will carry out a review into the procedures concerning applications to join the National Seed List. - (Holding answer 12 December 2000).

Answer: Mr. Drew: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he will carry out a review into the procedures concerning applications to join the National Seed List. [141740] Ms Quin: [holding answer 12 December 2000]: The technical and administrative procedures for considering National List applications have been reviewed as part of the review of the relevant legislation, the Seeds (National Lists of Varieties) Regulations 1982, as amended. Proposals for new National List Regulations were issued for public consultation in December 1999 and in April 2000. We have no plans to carry out a further specific review of the administrative and technical procedures though these are kept constantly under consideration as part of our commitment to continuous improvement. Nor have we immediate plans to propose changes regarding hearings on proposed National List decisions. However, we will wish to consider in the light of the hearing on the proposed addition of a genetically modified plant variety, Chardon LL, to the National List whether the current arrangements are satisfactory for all parties. If changes are proposed to the arrangements for requesting a hearing, all interested parties will be fully consulted.

Secondary information