Written question asked by Joan Walley (Labour) on Monday, 12 February 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 26 February 2001. It was answered by Baroness Quin (Labour) on Monday, 26 February 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, if he will propose to the (a) European Commission and (b) Council of Ministers that they review support for the proposed provision under directive 68/193/EEC in respect of the commercialisation of genetically treated grafted and non-grafted rooted vines; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Ms Walley: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will propose to the (a) European Commission and (b) Council of Ministers that they review support for the proposed provision under Directive 68/193/EEC in respect of the commercialisation of genetically treated grafted and non-grafted rooted vines; and if he will make a statement. [150441] Ms Quin: The horizontal EU Directive on GMO releases 90/220 already allows for the marketing of genetically modified vine varieties, subject to rigorous controls to safeguard human health and the environment. The Commission's proposal to amend Directive 68/193 on the marketing of vines does not introduce anything new in this respect but mirrors the relevant provisions of Directive 90/220. Nevertheless, the Agriculture Council agreed at its most recent meeting that the proposal should be subject to further detailed consideration before there is any question of its possible adoption.

Secondary information