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Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Answer

Mr. Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment of potential environmental impact he undertook before permission was given to Zeneca to plant genetically modified poplar trees near Bracknell. [87604] Mr. Meacher: Two consents have been issued to Zeneca Ltd. to plant small scale trials of genetically modified poplar trees in the Bracknell area. Each application included a pre-planting environmental audit and risk assessment that were assessed by the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment. The trees for both trials are derived from female clones and will not therefore produce pollen. The trees will be coppiced after four years to ensure that they remain in a juvenile phase and do not flower and the trials will be terminated prior to flowering after a further four years. In addition there is specific monitoring at both sites for precocious flowering each spring and any flower buds are removed to prevent pollination. A copy of the consent documents and the environmental risk assessment is available on the public register at the Department.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

333 c336W; 87604

Session

1998-99

Subjects

Genetically modified organisms Environmental impact assessment Trees Tree planting Bracknell Zeneca