Written question asked by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 9 March 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 16 March 1999. It was answered by Michael Meacher (Labour) on Tuesday, 16 March 1999 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 assessment he has received from ACRE of the recent report from the Soil Association on genetically modified crops, with particular reference to the distance beyond the precautionary 200 metre boundary around genetically modified plants which pollen can spread; if he will publish the evidence for that assessment; and what assessment he has made of their conclusions.

Answer: Mr. Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has received from ACRE of the recent report from the Soil Association on genetically modified crops, with particular reference to the distance beyond the precautionary 200 metre boundary around genetically modified plants which pollen can spread; if he will publish the evidence for that assessment; and what assessment he has made of their conclusions. [76518] Mr. Meacher: The Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment will discuss the Soil Association commissioned report on the dispersal of maize pollen at their next meeting on 25 March. Its advice will then be made public through the minutes of the meeting.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 76518; 327 c579W
Session: 1998-99
Subjects: Crops Genetically modified organisms Maize Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment Soil Association