Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the potential merits of allowing gene editing in Scotland.

It is the UK Government's ambition for the whole of the UK to benefit from the cutting edge technology that the development of gene edited plants offers.

Agriculture and the legislation of gene edited plants is a devolved matter and the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Bill currently extends to England only. However, we are keen that all parts of the UK have the ability to unlock the potential of these technologies and are having ongoing discussions on the proposed policy changes with the Devolved Administrations. We have also invited them to join us in bringing forward this legislation and this invitation remains open as the Bill continues its passage through Parliament.