Written question asked by Simon Thomas (Plaid Cymru) on Monday, 8 March 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 March 2004. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Monday, 15 March 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, whether Chardon LL fodder maize has a greater value for cultivation and use than the conventional varieties from which it was bred.

Answer: Mr. Simon Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether Chardon LL fodder maize has a greater value for cultivation and use than the conventional varieties from which it was bred. [160571] Mr. Morley: The value for cultivation and use of Chardon LL has not been compared with that of its parental lines or the equivalent non-GM variety. The criterion for addition to the UK National List is that it should, taking its qualities as a whole, represent a clear improvement compared with other forage maize varieties already on the UK List. Chardon has been assessed on this basis and found to meet the performance standards set to indicate a clear improvement.

Secondary information