Written question asked by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 11 May 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 20 May 2004. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Thursday, 20 May 2004 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 research has been conducted by or for her Department on bioremediation using genetically modified organisms. - Inc ref to final report at www.defra.gov.uk/environment/gm/research/epg-1-5-142.htm, and www.defra.gov.uk/research/Project_Data/projects.asp?M=KWS&V= bioremediation&SCOPE=O.

Answer: Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what research has been conducted by or for her Department on bioremediation using genetically modified organisms. [173118] Mr. Morley: The Department has recently published research that specifically examines the potential use of genetically modified organisms in bioremediation (final report available at http:// www.defra.gov.uk/environment/gm/research/epg- 1-5-142.htm). The report concludes that genetic modification offers some possible benefits in this area, but that, as with all GMOs, a thorough evaluation of the potential risks is required. This evaluation needs to be carried out in the context of the contaminated environment in which bioremediation is applied and the possible alternative approaches to bioremediation. We have also commissioned research on bioremediation in general, some of which has considered the use of genetically modified organisms (for a full list see http://www.defra.gov.uk/research/ Project Data/projects.asp?M=KWS&V=bioremediation &SCOPE=0).

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 173118; 421 c1102-3W
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Biodegradability Genetically modified organisms Pollution control Microbiology Research
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk