Written question asked by Tim Yeo (Conservative) on Tuesday, 31 October 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 28 November 2000. It was answered by Nicholas Brown (Labour) on Tuesday, 28 November 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, if he will make a statement on gene stacking in herbicide resistant GM crops; and what investigations the Government has made on the potential impact of this phenomenon on British agriculture. - (Holding answer 6 November 2000).

Answer: Mr. Yeo: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on gene stacking in herbicide resistant GM crops; and what investigations the Government have made on the potential impact of this phenomenon on British agriculture. [136739] Mr. Nick Brown: [holding answer 6 November 2000]: Gene stacking refers to plants with multiple GM traits, which may be developed intentionally or created unintentionally through cross-pollination. When considering proposed GM releases the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment (ACRE) evaluates the potential for, and implications of, stacked genes. If a proposed release poses an unacceptable risk to human health, animal health or the environment ACRE does not recommend approval. Other authorities in Europe have also considered this issue and it was the subject of a workshop held by the European Commission in 1998. ACRE has been kept informed of developments in this area.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 357 c563W;357 c562-3W; 136739
Session: 1999-00
Subjects: Crops Contamination Genetics Genetically modified organisms Pesticides Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk