I propose to take Questions Nos. 796 and 797 together.
The product in question, genetically modified oilseed rape GT73, was authorised by the European Commission on 31 August 2005 for importation into the European Community for use as animal feed and for industrial use. The authorisation did not include cultivation. I am advised that oilseed rape imported into this country is processed prior to its importation by crushing and having its oil extracted. This minimises the possibility of live seed entering the environment.
In so far as the TRIPs agreement is concerned, this falls within the remit of the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and obliges WTO member states to provide patent protection for any invention in all fields of technology. However, I understand that the grant of a patent confers only a civil right on the patent owner to prevent others from doing what is claimed in the patent and grants no right to its owner to make use of his or her invention. The TRIPs agreement does not contain any specific provision on contamination of crops by patented genetic material.