Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Paul Flynn (Labour) on Wednesday, 18 October 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 1 November 2000. It was answered by John Battle (Labour) on Wednesday, 1 November 2000 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the necessity of genetically modifying the mycotoxins involved in the United Nations Drug Control Programme research into the use of mycotoxins in drug crop eradication programmes; and if he will make a statement; what assessment he has made of the potential dangers arising from United Nations Drug Control Programme research into the use of mycotoxins in drug crop eradication programmes; and if he will make a statement; what assessment he has made of the potential for mutation of the mycotoxins involved in the United Nations Drug Control Programme research into the use of mycotoxins in drug crop eradication programmes; and if he will make a statement; what assessment he has made of the potential dangers arising from the use of (a) naturally occurring and (b) genetically-modified mycotoxins in drug crop eradication programmes; and if he will make a statement.
Answer

Mr. Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what assessment he has made of the necessity of genetically modifying the mycotoxins involved in the United Nations Drug Control Programme research into the use of mycotoxins in drug crop eradication programmes; and if he will make a statement; [134272] (2) what assessment he has made of the potential dangers arising from United Nations Drug Control Programme research into the use of mycotoxins in drug crop eradication programmes; and if he will make a statement; [134271] (3) what assessment he has made of the potential for mutation of the mycotoxins involved in the United Nations Drug Control Programme research into the use of mycotoxins in drug crop eradication programmes; and if he will make a statement; [134273] (4) what assessment he has made of the potential dangers arising from the use of (a) naturally occurring and (b) genetically-modified mycotoxins in drug crop eradication programmes; and if he will make a statement. [134274] Mr. Battle: The only United Nations International Drugs Programme (UNDCP) research into mycotoxins in drug crop eradication programmes is into the opium poppy fungus, pleospora papaveracea. The UK has supported this programme which has focused on establishing whether this naturally occurring fungus is viable as an opium poppy control agent and whether the fungus is specific to opium poppy. Subject to the progress of research in this phase, a further phase of research would investigate wider safety issues, including the potential for mutation. The Government have made it clear that if research revealed harmful effects, the UK would withdraw support and press for closure of the programme. No consideration is being given to the use of genetically modified mycotoxins in drug crop eradication programmes.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
355 c531W; 134272;134271;134273;134274
Session
1999-00
Subjects
Crops Genetically modified organisms Drugs Research UN Drug Control Programme Mycotoxins
Link
View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk