To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many times officials from his Department have met their opposite numbers in the US Government and US Embassy to discuss genetically modified organisms and the biotechnology industry since 1 June 1998; and if he will list for each meeting the dates and locations; and the US department whose officials they met. [81082]

Ministers and officials in this Department are in regular contact with representatives of all those with an interest in biotechnology—including environmental groups, consumer groups and biotechnology companies. We are also following practice and trials in a number of countries overseas, including the United States.