Question reference: S1W-02242
- Asked by: Kenny MacAskill, MSP for Lothians, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 21 October 1999
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Current status: Answered by Ross Finnie on 28 October 1999
Question
To ask the Scottish Executive, in the light of recent scientific reports concerning the safety of genetically modified crops and the distance over which cross pollination can occur, what action is being proposed regarding the planting of experimental genetically modified crops.
Answer
The possible effects of pollen transfer are fully considered in the risk assessment undertaken by the independent Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment (ACRE). As part of its considerations, ACRE takes into account issues such as farm ecology, farming practice and biodiversity and provides detailed limits and conditions for growing which are set out in a schedule and which must be adhered to by consent holders.