Written question asked by Peter Ainsworth (Conservative) on Tuesday, 15 October 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 7 November 2002. It was answered by Baroness Beckett (Labour) on Thursday, 7 November 2002 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what is her Department's position on acceptable thresholds for the adventitious presence of genetically modified organisms in seed batches of (a) oil seed rape, (b) tomatoes, (c) beet, (d) cotton, (e) chicory, (f) maize, (g) potatoes and (h) soya beans; and if she will make a statement. - Includes figures. (Holding answer 21 October 2002).

Answer: Mr. Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what is her Department's position on acceptable thresholds for the adventitious presence of genetically modified organisms in seed batches of (a) oil seed rape, (b) tomatoes, (c) beet, (d) cotton, (e) chicory, (f) maize, (g) potatoes and (h) soya beans; and if she will make a statement. [75244] Margaret Beckett: [holding answer 21 October 2002]: The EU Commission has proposed the following thresholds for the adventitious presence of approved GM seeds in non-GM seeds: 0.3 per cent. for swede rape 0.5 per cent. for tomato, beet, chicory, maize, cotton and potato 0.7 per cent. for soya bean The Government is giving careful consideration to our position on these proposals. In so doing, we shall aim to preserve consumer choice by seeking adequate protection for the integrity of non-GM seeds.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 392 c549W;392 c561-2W; 75244
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Crops Genetically modified organisms EU action Potatoes Seeds Cotton Soya beans Maize Oilseed rape Tomatoes Chicory
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk