Transport & Environment Committee's GM Report
debated in Parliament
The Scottish Parliament has debated the report of the
Transport & Environment Committee into GM crops in
Scotland. The report was published on 23 January following
a petition calling for a ban on the growing of GM
crops.
Scottish Executive Minister for the Environment and
Rural Development, Ross Finnie, concluded the debate for
the Scottish Executive. The Minister welcomed the thrust of
the Committee's report which he described as
well-considered and balanced. He noted the view of the
majority of the Committee that a moratorium in Scotland
would be illegal and that there is a role for farm scale
trials in a cautious approach to GM development. The
Minister spoke of the concern to ensure that the effect of
growing the crops on biodiversity was thoroughly assessed
before decisions were taken on commercial approval. He also
welcomed the Committee's recommendation that it was not
necessary to establish a separate Scottish GM advisory body
and shared the widely-held view on the integrity and
professionalism of the existing advisory bodies.
The debate highlighted the wish for increased public
consultation as part of the regulatory process and the
Minister confirmed that this is an area which will be taken
into account when Scottish legislation is prepared to
implement the recently approved European Directive on
GM.
The transcript of the debate can be seen in full at
www.scottish.parliament.uk/official_report/session-01/sor0503-01.htm