Written question asked by Tim Yeo (Conservative) on Tuesday, 16 January 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 23 January 2001. It was answered by Michael Meacher (Labour) on Tuesday, 23 January 2001 on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what and how many official spot checks were carried out on imported seed supplies with the purpose of detecting the adventitious presence of GM varieties in 2000. - (Holding answer 2 January 2001).

Answer: Mr. Yeo: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what and how many official spot checks were carried out on imported seed supplies with the purpose of detecting the adventitious presence of GM varieties in 2000. [146408] Mr. Meacher: [holding answer 22 January 2001]: The Central Science Laboratory (CSL) has delegated functions under part VI of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to carry out inspection and enforcement with respect to the deliberate release of genetically modified organisms. The GM inspectorate at CSL carried out audits of 14 seed importing companies during 2000. The inspectors concentrated on auditing companies importing oilseed rape seeds for sowing in autumn 2000. All of the main rape seed importers (13 companies) were inspected. The inspectors have now turned attention to the importers of beet seeds and spring sown oilseed rape. One beet seed importer had been audited before 31 December 2000. The inspections are continuing. In all cases the GM inspectors checked the companies' records to confirm whether they were operating proper checks and procedures to ensure that no unauthorised GM material was being imported. No problems were identified.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 146408; 361 c528W;361 c530W
Session: 2000-01
Subjects: Crops Contamination Inspections Enforcement Genetically modified organisms Imports Seeds Oilseed rape Central Science Laboratory
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk