Written question asked by Tim Yeo (Conservative) on Wednesday, 14 June 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 4 July 2000. It was answered by Nicholas Brown (Labour) on Tuesday, 4 July 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, what advice he has received on the lowest percentage of GM contamination that can be practically tested for in ostensibly GM-free seed supplies. - (Holding answer 19 June 2000).

Answer: Mr. Yeo: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what advice he has received on the lowest percentage of GM contamination that can be practically tested for in ostensibly GM-free seed supplies. [126861] Mr. Nick Brown: [holding answer 19 June 2000]: I am aware of possible analytical techniques which could be employed for detecting the presence of GM material in non-GM seeds, but have not received specific advice on the lowest level of GM contamination which can be reliably identified in non-GM seed. This question is being considered in the context of the ongoing discussions taking place within the EC and the OECD on the methods of detection of GM seeds in non-GM seed.

Secondary information