---

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Answer

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the notification of (a) genetically modified oilseed rape (GT73) by the Dutch Government and (b) genetically modified maize (NK603) by the Spanish Government; and what representations she has made to those Governments and the European Commission. [94934] Mr. Meacher :[holding answer 4 February 2003]: The dossiers for these two applications were received from the European Commission on 24 January 2003 with favourable opinions from the Dutch and Spanish competent authorities respectively. Under the provisions of Directive 2001/18 on the release of GMOs to the environment, the UK has 60 days from the date of receipt in which to consider the dossiers and forward comments or reasoned objections. Both are applications for consent to import the specific GM grain commodities for processing and use as food and as animal feed or as an ingredient in food and in animal feed products. The dossiers will be assessed by the UK Government and the Devolved Administrations, taking advice from the relevant expert advisory committees on environmental, human and animal health aspects. In these cases advice will be needed from the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment, the Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes and the Advisory Committee on Animal Feedingstuffs. We will also take due account of comments made by members of the UK public in response to public consultations that are being organised by the Commission.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

94934; 399 c883-4W;399 c879-80W

Session

2002-03

Subjects

Crops Genetically modified organisms Import controls Imports Netherlands Spain Maize Oilseed rape

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk