To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether applications covered under the proposed single regulatory framework for laboratory safety for genetically modified organisms will include (a) GM insects, (b) GM fish, (c) GM farm animals, (d) GM plants, (e) GM micro-organisms and (f) products of synthetic biology, including micro-organisms and algae.

HSE is currently consulting on the proposed consolidation of the Genetically Modified Organisms (Contained Use) Regulations 2000 and its three amending sets of regulations (2002, 2005 and 2010). Activities involving GM insects, GM fish, GM farm animals, GM plants and GM micro-organisms are covered by the existing regulations and will be covered by the consolidated regulations. Products of synthetic biology such as micro-organisms and algae are also covered under these regulations. However, synthetic biology products such as proteins and chemicals are not covered by these regulations. The consolidation will assist in removing potential legal hurdles that may impede the longer-term goal of producing a single regulatory framework for this type of work.