To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much his Department has invested in research on (a) genetic modification and (b) marker assisted selection technologies for use in agriculture since 1997; and if he will make a statement. (103074)

DEFRA carries out an extensive programme of research on risk management of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The objectives of this programme are:

(i) to support the operation of the regulations and development of policy on the release of GMOs;

(ii) to identify, assess and mitigate the hazards and risks to the environment from the release of GMOs.

Since 2001, when DEFRA was formed, we have invested £14.76 million in this programme and sponsored 69 research projects in which genetic marker technology has been utilised.