Seòmar agus comataidhean

In a Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs funded research project, the Centre of Ecology and Hydrology investigated the level of gene flow between cultivated crops and wild relatives in or adjacent to fields used for the Farm Scale Evaluations (FSE) of genetically modified crops. Scottish sites were included in this study. The results of the study were recently published. No tests were carried out to establish whether any horizontal gene transfer has taken place from plants to other organisms such as bacteria or fungi.

The consultation paperrefers to a case raised by the European Commission, who do not consider thecurrent definition to fully implement Article 6(1) of the EIA Directive. The UKGovernment received a letter of formal notice, which is the first stage ofproceedings under Article 226 of the Treaty, from the European Commission inOctober 2003. In the letter  the Commission refers, as an example, to ahypothetical development situated in England but close to the Scottish border in order to illustratewhat they see as a potential weakness in the transposition of Directive85/337/EEC with regard to the definition of “consultation bodies”. Consistentwith the approach adopted by the ODPM on this issue, the Executive is proposingthe changes outlined in the above consultation paper as a means of ensuring thedefinition is sufficiently transparent.

Local authorities are responsible for the enforcement of the genetically modified organisms (GMO) Traceability and Labelling Regulations and the GM Food and Feed Regulations in Scotland. If an illegal GMO was found in an import of grain Local Authorities are required to inform the Competent Authority. No such reports have been made.

Neither the Scottish Executive nor the Food Standards Agency, which is the UK competent authority for GM food and feeds, has been alerted to any Bt10 or other illegal genetically modified organisms being imported into Scotland.

Neither the Scottish Executive nor the Food Standards Agency, which is the UK competent authority for GM foods and feeds, is aware that Bt10 or any other illegally genetically modified organisms has entered the food chain in Scotland either through importation or cultivation.

Whilst the Executiveencourages public transport operators to improve the performance of theirdrivers in respect of fuel efficiency and passenger comfort, information on anyinitiatives of this nature is not centrally held.

The Executive supports thework that the Sector Skills Council GoSkills does to improve skills andintroduce more passenger-focused training.

Whilst the Executive encourages public transport operators to improve the performance of their drivers in respect of fuel efficiency and passenger comfort, no specific support is provided by the Executive and the main responsibility for these matters rests with individual operators.

The Executive supports the work that the Sector Skills Council GoSkills does to improve skills and introduce more passenger-focused training.

All NHS boards are expected to follow the NHS environmental management policy which includes a section on transport and promotes walking and cycling and the adoption of green travel plans.

The Executive is aware of the allegations of ill-health in proximity of the TETRA mast at Drumcarrow, Fife. The issue has been raised in both the Scottish and Westminster Parliaments, and highlighted in the media.

In keeping with the normal approach to local health concerns this issue is being addressed by the local NHS board. We are advised that the Director of Public Health, NHS Fife has set up an Environmental Hazard Investigation Team with a remit to look at allegations of ill-health in the Drumcarrow area of north east Fife. This team includes representation from the public health department, councillors, community councillors, local pressure groups, Health Protection Scotland (formerly SCIEH), Fife Council and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.

A separate technical sub-group of the Environmental Hazard Investigation Team has been collating information provided by local community councils and residents in the Drumcarrow area and has also examined available health statistics relevant to the alleged ill-health in the area. A report has been prepared by the sub-group which is due to be considered at the next meeting of the Environmental Hazard Investigation Team.

This is a reserved matter.

Micro combined heat and power(mCHP) technology is in its infancy and as such the Department for Environment andRural Affairs (DEFRA) is currently supporting field trials of mCHP being undertakenby the Carbon and Energy Saving Trusts. DEFRA is awaiting the results of these fieldtrials before taking any firm decisions on the best way to support mCHP in the future.However, in the meantime the Chancellor has announced a reduced rate of VAT formCHP in the Budget.