Written question asked by Alan Simpson (Labour) on Tuesday, 3 April 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 8 May 2001. It was answered by Baroness Quin (Labour) on Tuesday, 8 May 2001 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 steps the UK Government has taken to enforce Article 9.3.1 of the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation Code of Conduct on minimising the harmful effects of introducing genetically altered fish stocks.

Answer: Mr. Alan Simpson: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps the UK Government have taken to enforce Article 9.3.1 of the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation code of conduct on minimising the harmful effects of introducing genetically altered fish stocks. [157270] Ms Quin: In line with EU directive 90/220, a consent to release transgenic fish would be granted only if a rigorous assessment confirmed there was no unacceptable risk to human health or the environment. The assessment would take into account the likelihood of farmed fish escaping into open waters and look in detail at the potential impact on wild stocks. This policy is fully in accord with the UN/FAO code of conduct for responsible fisheries.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 368 c137W; 157270
Session: 2000-01
Subjects: Environment protection Health hazards EU law Genetically modified organisms Fish
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk