Synopsis
This document sets out the Government's reply to the Committee's second report (HCP 90-1, session 2003-04; ISBN 0215015762) on the farm scale evaluations (FSEs) set up to examine the biodiversity impact of four genetically modified herbicide tolerant crops (beet, winter-sown oilseed rape, spring-sown oilseed rape and forage maize) in comparison with equivalent crops grown under a conventional herbicide regime. It also includes the Committee's thoughts on the Government's response, which it describes as unsatisfactory and disappointing in tone and content, failing to reply to the substance of some of the Committee's arguments whilst misinterpreting others. The response is also criticised for failing to address the issue of liability for losses caused by contamination of conventional crops by GM crops. The Committee calls for the Government to be more open and responsive in future discussions on the subject, particularly given that it is a matter of significant public concern.