Written question asked by Andrew George (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 13 May 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 10 June 2003. It was answered by Michael Meacher (Labour) on Tuesday, 10 June 2003 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 powers to declare an area GM-free are held by (a) her Department, (b) local authorities and (c) the European Union. (Holding answer 20 May 2003).

Answer: Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what powers to declare an area GM-free are held by (a) her Department, (b) local authorities and (c) the European Union. [114046] Mr. Meacher: [holding answer 20 May 2003]: Under the Directive 2001/18, it would be possible for the relevant competent authority to authorise the deliberate release of a GMO subject to the condition that it may not be used in specific geographical locations on grounds of sound scientific evidence of risk to human health or the environment. Any such condition would have to be decided case-by-case. The Directive does not provide for limiting the geographical use of a GMO on any other grounds. If any GMO was assessed as presenting significant risks to human health or the environment, it is highly unlikely that it would be approved at all.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 114046; 406 c725W
Session: 2002-03
EC documents: Dir2001/18/EC
Subjects: Licensing Environment protection Health hazards EU law Genetically modified organisms Government departments Local government Powers
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk