Written question asked by Martyn Jones (Labour) on Thursday, 21 January 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 28 January 1999. It was answered by Alan Meale (Labour) on Thursday, 28 January 1999 on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Question: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, what public protection measures he has put in place in respect of the trials of genetically modified crops.

Answer: Mr. Martyn Jones: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what public protection measures he has put in place in respect of the trials of genetically modified crops. [67768] Mr. Meale: I have been asked to reply. The release of genetically modified organisms to the environment is controlled by the Genetically Modified Organisms (Deliberate Release) Regulations 1992 (amended in 1995 and 1997) which give effect to Part VI of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Under these regulations, no genetically modified organisms may be released to the environment without prior consent from the Secretary of State. Consent will only be granted when the potential risks to human health and the environment have been avoided or minimised.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 67768; 324 c390-1W
Session: 1998-99
Subjects: Crops Environment protection Genetically modified organisms Environmental health Testing